VENEZUELA: Opposition rejects outcome of election result, claims fraud, demand audit of polls

There is more trouble in the horizon for oil-rich nation Venezuela after the opposition led by Gerardo Blyde of the Democratic Unity coalition demanded a complete audit of the 23 governorship election races and called on its candidates to lead “street activities” on Monday in protest over the results.

“We do not recognise any of the results at this time. We are facing a very serious moment for the country,” Blyde said.

President Nicolas Maduro’s government won a majority of governorships in Venezuela’s regional election on Sunday, with his ruling party winning 17 governorships, versus five for the opposition Democratic Unity coalition, with results irreversible in all but one of 23 states.

Read also: Neighbouring countries fear Venezuela may drift into civil war amid political unrest

Electoral board president Tibisay Lucena said the ruling Socialist Party took 17 governorships, versus five for the opposition Democratic Unity coalition, with results irreversible in all but one of the OPEC member’s 23 states.

“Chavismo’ is alive, in the street, and triumphant,” a beaming Maduro, 54, said in a speech to the nation, referring to the ruling movement’s name for former president Hugo Chavez.

Before the final results were announced, the polls showed the opposition where poised for a big win but the eventual outcome which tilted victory to the ruling party drew fraud suspicions from the opposition.

 

 

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