Re-elected Nicolas Maduro faces backlash in Venezuela
Venezuela’s mainstream opposition boycotted the election, given that two of its most popular leaders were barred from running
Caracas — Venezuela’s socialist President Nicolas Maduro faced international condemnation on Monday after his re-election in a vote foes denounced as a farce that cemented autocracy in the crisis-stricken nation. Maduro hailed his win in Sunday’s presidential vote as a victory against “imperialism”, but his main rival alleged irregularities and refused to recognise the result. Venezuela’s mainstream opposition boycotted the election, given that two of its most popular leaders were barred from running, authorities had banned the coalition and various of its parties from using their names, and the election board is run by Maduro loyalists. Turnout was under 50%. Thousands of Maduro supporters, many wearing red berets, hugged and danced outside the Miraflores presidential palace, showered in confetti in the yellow, blue and red colours of the Venezuelan national flag. “The revolution is here to stay!” Maduro told the crowd, promising to prioritise economic recovery after five years of ...
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