Venezuelan Opposition Claims Near 70% Vote Amid Maduro's Disputed Third Term

Caracas, Venezuela – Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third presidential term on January 10, 2025, following a contested election in 2024 that has drawn widespread international condemnation. The Venezuelan opposition, however, asserts that their candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, secured nearly 70% of the vote, presenting tally sheets from polling stations as evidence. This claim directly contradicts the Maduro-aligned National Electoral Council's declaration of Maduro as the winner, plunging the nation into further political crisis.

The disputed election results have intensified the deep political polarization within Venezuela. International bodies, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union, have deemed the vote neither free nor fair, with several recognizing González as the president-elect. Despite these condemnations, Maduro has proceeded with his third term, which was quickly certified by the Supreme Court.

Prominent Venezuelan economist and vocal critic of the socialist government, Daniel Di Martino, reflected the sentiment of many opposition supporters in a recent social media post. Di Martino stated, > "No one is going to fight for Maduro. We will all celebrate when he goes and his few thugs will run away." Di Martino, who experienced the consequences of socialism firsthand, actively works to educate others on the economic and social decline of his home country under the current regime.

The political turmoil is further exacerbated by escalating tensions with the United States. The Trump administration has doubled the bounty for Maduro's capture to $50 million, accusing his government of colluding with drug gangs to traffic narcotics. In response, Maduro has significantly increased troop deployments to Venezuela's borders, sending 25,000 army personnel to secure the Caribbean coastline and the border with Colombia, vowing to defend national sovereignty.

Venezuela continues to grapple with a severe humanitarian and economic crisis, marked by hyperinflation, widespread shortages of essential goods, and a mass exodus of over 8 million citizens. The ongoing international pressure and internal discontent highlight the profound challenges facing the nation as Maduro consolidates power amidst a deeply fractured political landscape.