CARACAS: Venezuela's ruling party won the majority of mayoral seats in elections boycotted by the main opposition, coinciding with the anniversary of President Nicolas Maduro's re-election last year. The ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) won 285 of 335 mayoralties, according to Maduro's own projections, which he celebrated with supporters early on Monday in Caracas's Bolivar Square. "Victory, popular victory!" Maduro shouted. "Democracy and peace, the unity of the people, have triumphed."
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, whose candidate lost to Maduro in the presidential election last year, said on X: "What happened between July 28, 2024, and today?" "That day, 70 per cent of the country voted for EDMUNDO GONZALEZ, and today, 90 per cent said NO to MADURO," referring to what she said was the abstention rate.
A dissident wing of Machado's movement participated in the elections and, according to Maduro, won 50 mayoralties. "The new opposition," the president declared, while the opposition leader branded them Maduro collaborators. Maduro plans to lead a demonstration on Monday to celebrate the anniversary of his victory, which the United States and a dozen other countries did not recognise. — AFP
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
