Venezuela election, as it occurred: Maduro declared winner, González claims victory

Today’s stay protection has ended, however there’s nonetheless lots to catch up on. Read what you missed beneath and find more coverage at apnews.com.Venezuela’s electoral authorities declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner in Sunday’s presidential election whereas the opposition claimed victory within the race, setting up a showdown.“The Venezuelans and the entire world know what happened,” opposition candidate Edmundo González mentioned.Foreign leaders held off recognizing the outcomes.

Opposition candidate Edmundo González says the wrestle will proceed

After electoral authorities declared Maduro the winner, opposition candidate Edmundo González mentioned that each one guidelines have been violated.The opposition demanded the electoral authorities current all of the voting tallies issued by the voting machines to confirm the outcomes.González, a former diplomat who had by no means run for public workplace, questioned whether or not the National Electoral Council (CNE) has in its arms 80% of the tally sheets, as they claimed close to midnight on Sunday. The CNE is seen by the opposition as favoring the ruling celebration.“Our struggle continues and we will not rest until the will of the Venezuelan people is respected,” mentioned González, accompanied by opposition chief and former legislator María Corina Machado, the driving force of his campaign.

Venezuelans who hoped for change disillusioned by introduced end result

By JUAN PABLO ARRAEZ

Right after the electoral authorities declared Maduro the winner, some opposition supporters in Caracas reacted with disbelief.“It’s not possible that this is happening to us,” Ayarí Padrón mentioned as she began crying after listening to the announcement on a cellphone. “This is a humiliation, really.”In some areas of the capital people began banging pots as a transient protest.

Maduro mocks Argentina’s Milei

By REGINA GARCIA CANO

President Nicolas Maduro addresses supporters gathered outdoors the Miraflores presidential palace after electoral authorities declared him the winner of the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, July 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

In his speech, Maduro didn’t instantly offer any coverage guarantees the likes of which voters repeatedly mentioned the nation wants: increased wages, jobs and investments in schooling and well being care. But he did spend time mocking the facial options of Argentina’s President Javier Milei and calling him a “sociopath… who enjoys inflicting pain” on his nation’s people.Milei had earlier referred to as Maduro a “dictator.”“The Venezuelans chose to end the dictatorship of communist Nicolás Maduro,” Milei wrote on X. “The data indicate a crushing victory by the opposition and the world awaits that (Maduro) recognizes defeat after years of socialism, misery, decadence and death.”

Venezuelan opposition claims victory in presidential election after Maduro declared winner by electoral council

Opposition chief Maria Corina Machado, proper, and presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez maintain a press convention after electoral authorities declared President Nicolas Maduro the winner of the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, July 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Venezuela’s opposition claimed Edmundo González defeated President Nicolás Maduro in Sunday’s presidential election, setting up a showdown with the federal government, which earlier declared Maduro the winner.“The Venezuelans and the entire world know what happened,” González mentioned in his first remarks.Opposition chief María Corina Machado made the announcement standing alongside González, whose margin of victory she mentioned was “overwhelming.”
Earlier the opposition mentioned it had obtained voting tallies from about 30% of poll containers nationwide, with more anticipated in a single day.The National Electoral Council, which is managed by Maduro loyalists, has but to offer the tallies from 30,000 polling cubicles nationwide.

Chile’s Boric finds outcomes “hard to believe” and Costa Rica’s Chaves rejects them outright

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chile’s President Gabriel Boric mentioned that Maduro’s authorities “must understand” that the outcomes giving him the victory “are difficult to believe,” and he added that his authorities received’t acknowledge “any result that is not verifiable.”He mentioned on his X account that the worldwide neighborhood and the Venezuelan people demand “total transparency” of the tallies.Chile’s overseas affairs minister added on X, “given the situation in Venezuela, we think its important to wait for the opinion of international observers.”In a statement on X, Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves rejected Maduro’s win. “We will work with the democratic countries across the continent and international organizations to achieve the respect the Venezuelan people deserve,” he mentioned.

US has “serious concerns” about introduced election end result, Blinken says

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, Saturday, July 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned from Tokyo that “We have serious concerns that the result announced does not reflect the will or the votes of the Venezuelan people.”He referred to as for transparency within the vote rely.“The international community is watching this very closely and will respond accordingly,” he mentioned.

Cuba’s president congratulates Maduro

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

“Today the dignity and courage of the Venezuelan people triumphed over pressure and manipulation,” mentioned Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on X.He supplied his heat congratulations to his “brother” Maduro for the victory, and the continuing dedication of Cuba “to stand by the Bolivarian and Chavista Revolution,” he added.

Maduro applauds electoral system in first speech after being declared victor

By REGINA GARCIA CANO

In his first speech after being named the winner of Sunday’s presidential election, Maduro praised his nation’s electoral system, describing it as one with a “very high level of trust, security, transparency.”He additionally mentioned the system was the goal of a failed “massive hack” by a overseas actor, which he refused to determine.He requested for respect for “the sovereign life of Venezuela” and for “the popular will.”“This is not the first time that they have tried to violate the peace of the republic,” he mentioned.

Rubio dismisses announcement of Maduro victory

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., speaks during the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio rapidly panned the electoral council’s announcement of a Maduro victory. In a post on X, he mentioned Maduro’s authorities had “just carried out the most predictable and ridiculous sham election in modern history.”Rubio’s state of Florida has the biggest Venezuelan neighborhood within the U.S.

Maduro declared winner based mostly on 80% of voting stations tallied, say electoral authorities

Elvis Amoroso, head of the National Electoral Council, mentioned Maduro secured 51% of the vote, overcoming opposition candidate Edmundo González, who garnered 44%. He mentioned the outcomes have been based mostly on 80% of voting stations, marking an irreversible trend.But the electoral authority, which is managed by Maduro loyalists, has but to release the official voting tallies from every of the more than 15,000 polling facilities, hampering the opposition’s capability to confirm the outcomes.The delay in asserting outcomes — six hours after polls have been imagined to close — indicated a deep debate inside the federal government about how to proceed after Maduro’s opponents got here out early within the night all however claiming victory.Opposition representatives mentioned tallies they collected from marketing campaign representatives at 30% of voting facilities confirmed Gonzalez trouncing Maduro.

Maduro is declared winner in Venezuela’s presidential election amid opposition claims of irregularities

Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner in Venezuela’s presidential election Sunday, even as his opponents have been getting ready to dispute the outcomes, setting up a high-stakes showdown that can decide whether or not the South American nation transitions away from one celebration rule.

Venezuela’s overseas minister condemns what he says is overseas effort to intervene in election

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Venezuela Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has condemned what he says in a overseas effort to intervene within the nation’s election. In a assertion posted to X, he says the correct to self-determination and the sovereignty of Venezuela’s homeland is threatened by a group of overseas governments and powers.“This group is a version of the infamous, defunct and defeated Lima group,” which incorporates Latin American international locations like Ecuador, Guatemala and Panama, he mentioned.“The same people who recognized a puppet in 2019 intend to impose him today in 2024,” he mentioned in reference to Juan Guaido who was acknowledged as Venezuela’s appearing president by some international locations.Argentinian President, Javier Milei proclaimed on X, “Dictator Maduro, out!”“Argentina will not recognize another fraud, and expects the Armed Forces this time to defend democracy and the will of the people,” he mentioned.

Opposition says it has collected vote tallies from 30% of polling stations

The opposition mentioned it has collected official vote tallies from 30% of polling stations and referred to as on authorities to release ends in a clear and clear method — one thing it may’ve achieved hours in the past.“They shouldn’t have any doubt if what they want to do is recognize the popular will,” mentioned Omar Barboza, head of the principle opposition coalition.While stopping short of claiming victory, Barboza mentioned the outcomes it did receive from marketing campaign representatives at voting stations have been according to the keenness on the street amongst opponents of Nicolas Maduro. He mentioned it couldn’t receive more of the official acts because of irregularities and obstacles.“We ask in the name of peace for the Venezuelans, and the credibility of voting as a tool of the civilized world, do not make a wrong step,” mentioned Barboza.

Concern grows that Venezuela is exporting crime by Tren de Aragua syndicate

The Biden administration this month sanctioned a Venezuelan gang allegedly behind a spree of kidnappings, extortion and different violent crimes tied to migrants which have unfold throughout Latin America and the United States.The U.S. additionally supplied a $12 million reward for the arrest of three leaders of Tren de Aragua, which now joins the MS-13 gang from El Salvador and the Mafia-styled Camorra from Italy on a record of transnational felony organizations banned from doing business within the U.S.

International neighborhood urges transparency in electoral course of

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chilean President Gabriel Boric speaks during a ceremony to call new cupboard members at La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago, Chile, Friday, March 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Esteban Félix)

Chilean President Gabriel Boric said on X, “the delivery of the results of this transcendental election for Venezuela must be transparent, timely and fully reflect the popular will expressed at the polls.”“The international community, of which Chile is a part, will not accept anything else,” he added.U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols shared similar sentiments on X.“Venezuelan voters showed up in huge numbers to express their will at the ballot box,” mentioned Nichols. “It now falls on electoral authorities to ensure transparency & access for all political parties & civil society in the tabulation of votes & prompt publication of results. Credibility of the electoral process depends on it.”

In Venezuela, online roulette, desserts and equipment repairs complement $3.50 month-to-month minimal wage

By REGINA GARCIA CANO

Tired of a decade-long financial disaster that has shrunk salaries and alternatives in Venezuela, many want a change. (AP video shot by Juan Arraez)

Eleven years into Venezuela’s complicated disaster, the times of meals shortages are just about gone, however with many incomes underneath $200 a month, getting the essentials is a constant struggle for families in rural and concrete areas alike. People work second and third jobs, begin little companies, exchange companies and gamble to scrape collectively the money, however nonetheless each determination appears to contain a calculator and a calendar.That angst-provoking math is among the many explanation why the ruling celebration’s maintain on energy appears to be like susceptible in in the present day’s presidential election.

People at one polling place in a longtime authorities stronghold rejoice a vote tally favoring González

By REGINA GARCIA CANO

The opposition’s presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez waves as he leaves the polling station along with his spouse Mercedes Lopez, middle, and daughter Mariana after voting in presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

More than two hours after being allowed into a voting middle to witness the rely, 10 residents of the Catia neighborhood exited the polling web site to the applause of the roughly 30 people who have been nonetheless ready for information of outcomes the place they voted hours earlier.The Caracas web site, in a longtime ruling celebration stronghold, ended up going to González, who took more than twice the votes Maduro bought, in accordance with the figures shared by two of the ten Catia residents who witnessed the tallying course of.Earlier on the web site, as people started to learn social media posts exhibiting purported voting tallies from different facilities favorable to González, some started chanting “And it has fallen, and it has fallen, this government has fallen,” a phrase that for years Venezuelans had chanted with the verbs in future tense as an alternative.

Opposition consultant denounces electoral authorities

Supporters of opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez bang pots whereas ready for the outcomes of the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Former legislator Delsa Solórzano, consultant of the opposition’s Unitary Platform coalition backing candidate Edmundo González, denounced electoral authorities hours after polls had been scheduled to close.“There is an important number of voting centers where they are removing our witnesses,” she mentioned. There are others the place she mentioned, “they refuse to transmit and print the tallies produced by the voting machines, whose copies are essential to verify that the results correspond with the official results.” Four hours after the closing time of polling stations expired, electoral authorities have nonetheless not formally closed voting.“At this moment, the National Electoral Council has paralyzed the transmission of the voting tallies,” Solórzano mentioned. Without exhibiting proof, she mentioned “they are blocking the transmission to prevent a greater number of voting tallies.”“With the tallies that we have, which are quite numerous,” mentioned Solórzano, “we can say what is happening in the country.”“We have demonstrated that we are capable of defending the will of the people,” added Solórzano. She affirmed that they won’t share percentages. “We are not going to violate the law.”

Minister of Defense praises peaceable vote

Venezuela Minister of Defense General Vladimir Padrino López praised his fellow Venezuelans for exercising their civic responsibility and voting peacefully Sunday.The armed forces are the traditional arbiter of political disputes in Venezuela, so Padrino’s each phrase is carefully watched. In 2015, when the opposition swept parliamentary elections by a landslide, he acknowledged the outcomes even earlier than Maduro acknowledged defeat.On Sunday night time, Padrino, flanked by high commanders in uniform, was more subdued. But he additionally mentioned he was referred to as by Maduro for a assembly to make sure the peaceable voting setting persists as soon as outcomes are introduced.“The Venezuelans are opening a new phase,” mentioned Padrino in ambiguous remarks through which he additionally condemned U.S. oil sanctions on Venezuela.The armed forces have been an integral half of Maduro’s grip on energy ever since his mentor and predecessor, former paratrooper Hugo Chávez, led an rebellion in opposition to an unpopular austerity authorities in 1992.

Foreign officers have referred to as for Maduro to respect the election outcomes

By FABIOLA SÁNCHEZ, MAURICIO SAVARESE

In a joint assertion, the overseas ministers of Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay mentioned that they’re carefully following the ends in Venezuela and thought of it “indispensable” to guarantee that the electoral outcomes “will fully respect the popular will” of Venezuelans.The Latin American ministers have been in favor of a clear vote rely that enables for the verification and control of observers and delegates of the candidates, in accordance with a doc issued by the Panamanian Foreign Ministry.“Maduro knows that the only chance for Venezuela to return to normality is to have an electoral process that is respected by everyone,” Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told reporters on the presidential residence within the capital, Brasilia final week. “He has to respect the democratic process.”

PHOTOS: Venezuelans on the polls

By The Associated Press

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Opposition chief Maria Corina Machado hugs supporters after voting within the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
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Venezuelans dwelling in Mexico maintain a Venezuelan flag outdoors their nation’s embassy that has a polling station set up for the presidential election in Mexico City, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Ginnette Riquelme)
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Voters line up to vote outdoors the Andres Bello School voting middle during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
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Voters line up outdoors a polling station during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
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El candidato del principal bloque opositor, Edmundo González Urrutia, muestra su papeleta cuando vota en la eleccion presidencial en Caracas, Venezuela, el domingo 28 de julio, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
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Personal militar ayuda a una votante de edad avanzada durante las elecciones presidenciales en Caracas, Venezuela, el domingo 28 de julio de 2024. (Foto AP/Fernando Vergara)
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Voters line up during presidential elections at a polling station in Petare neighborhood, Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
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Members of the presidential guar line up to vote during presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
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President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores activate their cell phone flashlights after voting within the presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. Maduro is in search of re-election for a third time period. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
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Voters have a look at electoral lists previous to the opening of the polls for presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
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Opposition chief Maria Corina Machado hugs supporters after voting within the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
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Opposition chief Maria Corina Machado hugs supporters after voting within the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

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Venezuelans dwelling in Mexico maintain a Venezuelan flag outdoors their nation’s embassy that has a polling station set up for the presidential election in Mexico City, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Ginnette Riquelme)

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Voters line up to vote outdoors the Andres Bello School voting middle during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
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Voters line up to vote outdoors the Andres Bello School voting middle during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)

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Voters line up outdoors a polling station during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)
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Voters line up outdoors a polling station during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)

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El candidato del principal bloque opositor, Edmundo González Urrutia, muestra su papeleta cuando vota en la eleccion presidencial en Caracas, Venezuela, el domingo 28 de julio, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

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Personal militar ayuda a una votante de edad avanzada durante las elecciones presidenciales en Caracas, Venezuela, el domingo 28 de julio de 2024. (Foto AP/Fernando Vergara)
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Personal militar ayuda a una votante de edad avanzada durante las elecciones presidenciales en Caracas, Venezuela, el domingo 28 de julio de 2024. (Foto AP/Fernando Vergara)

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Voters line up during presidential elections at a polling station in Petare neighborhood, Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
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Voters line up during presidential elections at a polling station in Petare neighborhood, Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

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Members of the presidential guar line up to vote during presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
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Members of the presidential guar line up to vote during presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

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President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores activate their cell phone flashlights after voting within the presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. Maduro is in search of re-election for a third time period. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

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Voters have a look at electoral lists previous to the opening of the polls for presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
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Voters have a look at electoral lists previous to the opening of the polls for presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Maduro’s marketing campaign chief says “We cannot give results, but I can show face”

Jorge Rodriguez, the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, factors to his hat during a press convention after polls closed for the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Jorge Rodríguez, Maduro’s marketing campaign chief and head of the overwhelmingly pro-government National Assembly, expressed confidence that the elections will likely be favorable for the ruling celebration.“We cannot give results, but I can show face,” mentioned Rodriguez with a smile. “Violence failed, hatred failed; love won, independence won, Venezuelan sovereignty won and peace won,” in allusion to the principle slogans of the ruling celebration’s marketing campaign.Rodríguez kept away from giving figures, affirming that the pro-government celebration is “respectful of the laws of our country and the constitution.” He added, “we will wait,” for the primary preliminary bulletin of the National Electoral Council (CNE).The vote rely will likely be achieved fully with an automated system. The first preliminary outcomes are anticipated late tonight. Authorities have mentioned that such outcomes will solely be issued when they’re decided to be irreversible.Venezuelan law, in the meantime, prohibits the dissemination of exit polls earlier than the primary official bulletin.Tensions are rising as the CNE has not formally closed polling stations, nor introduced an extension of the voting period.Voting has historically been scheduled between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., however the laws enable for it to be prolonged at voting websites the place there are nonetheless voters ready.

Opposition candidate González and chief Machado call for his or her observers to remain at voting websites

Presidential candidate Edmundo González, along with the opposition chief María Corina Machado, are calling for opposition celebration observers to remain on the voting facilities till they obtain the outcomes.Maduro’s opponents, who’ve expressed doubts in regards to the impartiality of the electoral authorities, think about a copy of the vote tallies issued by voting machines a key doc to display that the outcomes are a true reflection of every vote forged.“We reiterate to all citizens that they have the right to participate in a verification,” González mentioned to the press.Machado mentioned the elections are in a “crucial stage” and calmly requested for the “orderly presence” of the opposition representatives in all of the facilities.“Nobody leaves the voting center until we have the proof in our hands of the results,” she mentioned. “We are already receiving the voting tallies and we are counting them one by one.”Out of respect for the electoral guidelines she pressured, “we are not in condition to give that information” till the electoral authorities release the primary official bulletin.

“This is the decisive moment,” says opposition chief María Corina Machado

Opposition chief Maria Corina Machado in Caracas, Venezuela, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Venezuela’s opposition chief was beaming with optimism as she urged authorities to order the closure of voting facilities that remained open more than an hour after a deadline for vote counting to start.“This is the decisive moment,” María Corina Machado, flanked by presidential candidate Edmundo González, mentioned at their marketing campaign headquarters.Machado was cautious to not declare victory earlier than any announcement of outcomes, however mentioned she had already acquired copies of some official voting acts and so they indicated a document turnout. González was equally enthused, congratulating Venezuelans on the “historic” day and urging supporters to “celebrate in peace.”Both referred to as on marketing campaign representatives to stay on the polling stations to keep away from any irregularities as soon as vote tallying begins.Opposition activists have been already celebrating online and on the streets of capitals all through Latin America the place Venezuelan migrants have settled, what they assured was a landslide victory for González. Their hope was boosted by purported exit polls circulating on social media exhibiting a wholesome margin of victory for González. The polls are usually not allowed underneath Venezuelan law.

Nicolás Maduro’s son needs Hugo Chávez a Happy Birthday

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

President Nicolas Maduro after voting within the presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

“The ballot boxes express what the streets already said during all these months of campaigning,” mentioned Nicolás Maduro’s son on X.“Victory for the Venezuelan pueblo and happy birthday Commander Chávez!” Today would have been the seventieth birthday of the previous president.The former president and revered leftist firebrand died of most cancers in 2013, leaving Maduro as his political inheritor.

Venezuelans demand polls to close

By REGINA GARCIA CANO

People at numerous voting facilities in Caracas have been demanding ballot staff to close the polls one hour after they have been imagined to have achieved so.At a middle within the Catia neighborhood, engineer Alejandro Varzzani, 30, mentioned the refusal to close facilities reveals that reveals the ruling celebration and its helps are apprehensive. “They are fearful,” he mentioned.As they waited for the middle to close, they sang the tune “Venezuela” collectively — thought-about the nation’s unofficial anthem.A authorities supporter yelled “Let’s go, Nico,” referring to President Nicolás Maduro.

Government worker chooses between change and job safety

By REGINA GARCÍA CANO

At a voting middle in a low-income Caracas neighborhood that historically supported the ruling celebration, Angel Yáñez, a state worker mentioned he, too, needs a authorities change after seeing 12 family members and different associates migrate and his sister prepare to go away for Europe. But he acknowledged being nervous in regards to the election’s end result as a result of he may lose his job if Maduro loses.“I’m not short on money, but I came here because of the situation that others are in,” the 23-year-old mentioned.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris expresses help for Venezuelan people

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at a marketing campaign occasion in Pittsfield, Mass., July 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris took to X to specific help for Venezuelan people.“The United States stands with the people of Venezuela who expressed their voice in today’s historic presidential election,” Harris wrote.“The will of the Venezuelan people must be respected. Despite the many challenges, we will continue to work toward a more democratic, prosperous, and secure future for the people of Venezuela.”

Opposition calls on authorities to close the polls and start counting ballots

By JOSHUA GOODMAN, REGINA GARCIA-CANO

A person votes within the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Venezuela’s opposition is asking on authorities to close the polls and start counting ballots.By law, polling facilities ought to close at 6 p.m. however in addition they should stay open if there are voters nonetheless in line.At 6:11 p.m. opposition chief María Corina Machado took to social media to demand the National Electoral Council shut down the more than 15,000 voting facilities nationwide.“If there’s nobody in line, the voting booths must close,” she mentioned. “It’s time to see how your votes are counted, ballot by ballot.”Fifteen minutes previous the closing time about 40 people have been met by an armed soldier, a member of a people’s militia, and different members of the armed forces after they requested entry to a voting middle within the low-income neighborhood of Catia to witness the vote counting course of as allowed by law. They have been informed they might not enter as a result of people have been nonetheless voting, but no voters might be seen inside and the members of the armed forces and electoral authority representatives refused to close the location.Minutes later, gang members affiliated with the federal government confirmed up on bikes to intimidate people attempting to witness the vote rely.

With clock ticking, Maduro requires people to get out and vote

With much less than an hour remaining earlier than polls start to close, Maduro referred to as on Venezuelans to vote.“There’s an hour left to go vote,” the president mentioned through the platform X. He urged those that go to take others with them.

Opposition consultant blocked from National Electoral Council workplaces

Former lawmaker Delsa Solórzano, consultant of the opposition’s Unitary Platform coalition, says authorities have blocked her entrance to the National Electoral Council regardless of her accreditation. They have additionally blocked two different representatives of the coalition.“We insist that it is not the same to make a complaint face to face as making it in a WhatsApp message or an email,” mentioned the longtime politician recognized for her protection of human rights and imprisoned political leaders. “They don’t give a reason for this situation.”Still, she mentioned her coalition was optimistic. “We have a lot of reasons to smile,” she mentioned. “What we ask is that they simply follow the law.”

Maduro barely received in 2013 even as Chavez’s hand-picked successor

By FRANK BAJAK, ALEXANDRA OLSON

FILE – Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez, left, talks to his Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro on the University of Uruguay in Montevideo, Uruguay, Dec. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico, File)

Maduro’s stunningly close victory over Henrique Capriles by solely about 300,000 votes got here after a marketing campaign through which the winner promised to hold on Chavez’s self-proclaimed socialist revolution whereas the challenger’s major message was that Chavez’s regime put Venezuela on the street to wreck.

Voters screamed “Leave! Leave!” at allies of ruling celebration

By REGINA GARCÍA CANO

Allies of the ruling celebration have been met with jeers when going to the polls to vote. In the state of Miranda, which incorporates a portion of the capital, some voters screamed “Leave! Leave!” when Gov. Hector Rodriguez reached his polling middle.Rodriguez is a member of the delegation that has represented President Nicolás Maduro in negotiations with the U.S.-backed Unitary Platform.

If Maduro wins, more Venezuelans say they’ll depart

By Regina García Cano

Voters line up outdoors a polling station during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)

A nationwide poll conducted last month by the Venezuela-based analysis firm Delphos confirmed that roughly a fourth of people are eager about migrating, primarily for financial causes. Of these eager about leaving Venezuela, about 47% mentioned an electoral win by the opposition would make them keep and roughly the identical quantity indicated that an improved financial system would additionally preserve them of their home nation.

Filippo Grandi, UNHCR chief needs “stability and prosperity” for the Venezuelan people

The head of the UN Refugee Agency Filippo Grandi spoke to The Associated Press in the present day in Paris about his hopes for Venezuela.“Whichever the outcome of elections and of any political process, regarding negotiations for an agreement and internal agreement, I do wish for the Venezuelan people a return to stability and prosperity that they used to enjoy in the past,” Grandi mentioned.He additionally hoped for the restoration of good relations between Venezuelans and all members of the worldwide neighborhood, “so that everybody can help Venezuelans have a better future,” he added.

Opposition chief María Corina Machado casts her vote at a middle in jap Caracas

By FABIOLA SÁNCHEZ

Opposition chief Maria Corina Machado hugs supporters after voting within the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

In a message addressed to Venezuelans who’ve migrated lately and “who are anxious to return,” Machado mentioned in the present day, “that reunion is very close”.“I want to remind everyone that scrutiny is a public act, people can enter and see it,” Machado informed the press.The former legislator, who couldn’t register as the Unitary Platform coalition candidate, after the judicial authorities disqualified her for 15 years, propelled the candidacy of her substitute, Edmundo González.Whether on the voting facilities or desk by desk, Machado cited electoral laws and processes, telling celebration representatives they’ve a proper to a copy of the minutes issued by the machines. The essential doc checks that votes correspond with the official figures issued by the electoral authorities.Machado agreed with electoral authorities that they might see official outcomes, “irreversible and early.”“We’ve received very few reports of incidents of the military’s conduct,” mentioned Machado concerning the armed forces in charge of logistics and safety of the national elections.Machado downplayed incidents in some voting facilities the place representatives of opposition events have been prevented from getting into, even if they have been approved to behave as witnesses of the voting course of. But she thanked the army for what she referred to as their respectful conduct.“This government is going to fall!” shouted Machado’s followers as she left the voting middle.

Venezuelans vote in neighboring international locations

Venezuelan residents chant, “Freedom!” as they watch for the outcomes of their presidential election, in Quito, Ecuador, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Noriega)

Venezuelans turned out to vote on Sunday at a faculty within the Colombian capital, Bogotá, the place some 4,300 residents have been registered to vote. In a close by park attendees waved flags and shouted in unison for “freedom”.In the northern port metropolis of Barranquilla, the place 387 Venezuelans have been registered, the sentiment was related. The president of a Venezuelan affiliation within the metropolis, Pilín León, informed the press that voting went “quite smoothly”.Several Venezuelans went to the embassy in Lima, Peru, to vote with flags of their arms and sang the Venezuelan anthem. 659 residents have been registered to vote.However, Venezuelan residents can not vote in international locations like Ecuador. In April, Nicolás Maduro ordered the Venezuelan embassy to shut down in solidarity with Mexico after the police raid on its embassy. Instead, dozens of Venezuelans selected to attend a spiritual ceremony in a church within the nation’s capital, Quito. In the southern metropolis of Cuenca, Venezuelans gathered in a park chanting for “freedom” and “democracy” of their home nation.

Hugo Chavez would have voted for Maduro, says late president’s daughter

A voter chooses his candidate in entrance of a mural of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. Sunday can be Chavez’s birthday. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

That’s in accordance with Maria Gabriela Chavez, one of the late president’s daughters, as she forged her poll at a faculty classroom underneath the watchful gaze of Chavez’s face painted on the wall.“We need to win,” she informed AP of the advice her father would seemingly have given had he been alive in the present day.Sunday’s vote is being held on what would’ve been the seventieth birthday of Chavez, who died in 2013 of most cancers.Chavez mentioned she doesn’t disapprove of the choice, which seeks to stir admiration for her father’s legacy and provides Maduro, his handpicked political inheritor, a possible boost in a tight race.“We always mix family with politics,” mentioned Chávez, who nonetheless plans to put a wreath at her father’s tomb in a hilltop military fort later Sunday.

No violence or incidents at voting websites says the Minister of Defense

FILE – In this Aug. 8, 2017 file photograph, Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez arrives for a session with the Constitutional Assembly on the National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File)

Venezuela’s Minister of Defense, Chief General Vladimir Padrino López, mentioned during the primary six hours of voting, “no incident worth mentioning has occurred. The day has passed in peace.”The army chief requested Venezuelans to not share feedback about alleged acts of violence within the environment of voting facilities, saying that, “what appears on social media is not always true.”The unitary opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia says that he trusts that the Venezuelan Armed Forces “will respect the will of the people.”The army, in charge of logistics and safety of the elections, is one of the main supporters of President Nicolás Maduro.The president’s opponents have tried to unsuccessfully enlist the help of the army to power Maduro to step down from energy, arguing that he was re-elected in 2018 in fraudulent elections.Senior army commanders, together with the Minister of Defense, publicly expressed their help and loyalty to Maduro.For many, the army would have a lot to lose if there was a political change in Venezuela after 25 years of self-proclaimed socialist governments.

There’s an evangelical pastor on Venezuela’s presidential poll, however faith isn’t taking part in a clear position within the election

By MARÍA TERESA HERNÁNDEZ

It’s arduous to say precisely how religious Venezuelans are and what particularly they imagine, as a result of the federal government has not launched official figures in more than a decade.

“We do not want more Venezuelans leaving the country,” says Edmundo González

The opposition’s presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez casts his poll during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

The opposition candidate Edmundo González expressed his satisfaction with the large presence of Venezuelans lined up since late Saturday night time and Sunday morning at voting facilities.“Today more than ever Venezuelans are demonstrating that we are one people. What we see are lines of joy and hope. Today begins a day of reconciliation for all Venezuelans,” mentioned González, surrounded by journalists, shortly after casting his vote.“The democratic spirit of Venezuelans is more alive than ever, it’s time for change,” added the ex-diplomat. If victorious, Gonzalez promised to create circumstances for the almost 8 million Venezuelans to return to their home country after fleeing compounding crises.“We do not want more Venezuelans leaving the country, and for those who have left I tell them we will do everything possible for them to come back and welcome them with open arms,” he mentioned.“To all the Venezuelans around the world, your strength and commitment encourages us. We are one people in search of freedom,” he added.

PHOTOS: Voting underway in Venezuela’s most consequential election in years

By The Associated Press

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Voters line up outdoors a polling station that reads in Spanish “Vote” during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
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President Nicolas Maduro adjusts his glasses to mark his poll for the presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. Maduro is in search of re-election for a third time period. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
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The opposition’s presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez flashes a victory signal as he arrives to vote within the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
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Voters wait to forged their ballots during presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
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Voters line up outdoors a polling station that reads in Spanish “Vote” during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

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President Nicolas Maduro adjusts his glasses to mark his poll for the presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. Maduro is in search of re-election for a third time period. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

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The opposition’s presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez flashes a victory signal as he arrives to vote within the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

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Voters wait to forged their ballots during presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
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Voters wait to forged their ballots during presidential elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

In a nation rife with instability, relationship isn’t spared

By Regina García Cano

FILE – A pair maintain arms at a roadblock set by anti-government protesters in Caracas, Venezuela, April 24, 2017. Many younger people who as soon as joined such demonstrations are actually disillusioned and are contemplating emigrating – and it’s wreaking havoc on the nation’s relationship scene. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File)

Student Gabriel Ortiz makes use of his cellphone on the Central University of Venezuela UCV in Caracas, Thursday, July 4, 2024. The man Ortiz was relationship just lately left crisis-ridden Venezuela, the place the uncertainty is inflicting many younger people to query whether or not it’s value it to begin a relationship. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Nothing, not even love, has been spared the uncertainty that plagues everyday life in crisis-ridden Venezuela, which has seen a number of million people depart within the final decade or so. As a presidential election looms later this month together with questions on Venezuela’s future, many more are contemplating emigrating, wreaking havoc on the nation’s financial system, its politics and its relationship scene.Young people are debating online and amongst themselves whether or not it’s value it to begin a relationship — or whether or not to finish one. Others are questioning when it is simply too quickly or too late to ask the essential query: Will you allow the nation?

Opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia arrives at his polling place

By REGINA GARCÍA CANO

Gonzalez was swarmed by reporters who blocked cheering voters from seeing him as he arrived at his church-adjacent voting middle at an upper-class neighborhood of Caracas.

Medicine shortages encourage Venezuelans to vote for opposition

Judy Oropeza says when her sister died in 2019 she vowed by no means again to vote for the federal government that long employed her as a faculty instructor.It was the nadir of Venezuela’s economic crisis and because of widespread shortages Oropeza’s sister couldn’t discover the medication she needed to deal with hypertension.Oropeza was in Colombia looking for work as a result of her miserly wages weren’t enough to feed her and her son. “I came home to bury her practically,” she mentioned, holding back tears.Today, sitting quietly on a bench in Caracas’ iconic Plaza Bolivar, she acknowledges issues have improved.But she deserted the career she cherished to flee starvation and nonetheless has to watch each penny of her $160 month in wage within the personal sector.“There’s peace now,” she says as a road sweeper collects the fallen leaves from the marble ground. “But there’s wounds that never heal. That’s why I vote for change.”

Polls close at 6 p.m., however not clear when first outcomes will likely be introduced

By E. EDUARDO CASTILLO

Polls are anticipated to begin closing at 6 p.m., however it’s unclear when outcomes will likely be introduced by national electoral authorities. They sometimes don’t release partial outcomes nor tendencies.Exit polls are usually not allowed by the authorities.Voters began lining up a lot earlier than 6 a.m., when polls formally opened.

Ruling celebration checkpoints intimidate voters

By REGINA GARCÍA CANO

A soldier guards the doorway of an open voting middle during the presidential election in Caracas, Venezuela, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

At a low-income neighborhood in downtown Caracas, a road main to 2 voting facilities was cordoned off proper the place a ruling party-checkpoint was set-up. These authorities checkpoints are a well-documented control tactic utilized in earlier elections. Government supporters who coordinate the supply of social advantages, together with sponsored meals and gasoline, sat underneath tents and instructed people to signal lists after voting. Some people could not vote simply to completely keep away from having to undergo the checkpoint; others really feel pressured to vote for the federal government to not risk their advantages. The post-vote registration helps the federal government know whether or not assist recipients voted.If voters pretended to not see them, a coordinator yelled their title and talked about one of the advantages they sometimes obtain.

Support from army’s rank and file not a given this time for Maduro

By JOSHUA GOODMAN, Regina García Cano

Military checkpoints have proliferated across Venezuela within the runup to the election as a type of intimidation for the opposition, however the rank-and-file are usually not unquestioning of their help of the president.

Opposition organizing to guard and encourage voters

By Regina García Cano

The Unitary Platform coalition hopes the mere presence of large numbers of watchful voters outside polling places will neutralize some ruling party strategies that previously left them with out representatives inside the services, stored them away from vote counts and rendered them unvoiced within the occasion of irregularities.The small neighborhood teams are referred to as “comanditos.”

Calls for “libertad,” or “freedom,” have been a staple of the opposition’s occasions forward of the election

By Regina García Cano

Members of the country’s political opposition shout it with tears of their eyes, or crimson indignant faces, or with hopeful ear-to-ear smiles. They shout it with Venezuelan flags of their arms or holding their youngsters. They shout it sporting a soccer jersey or carrying a political celebration’s T-shirt.

Venezuela election, as it occurred: Maduro declared winner, González claims victory

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