Venezuela’s ruling United Socialist Party (PSUV) secured a sweeping victory in regional and parliamentary elections Sunday, winning 23 of 24 states and over 80% of parliamentary seats, according to preliminary results. The opposition, led by Maria Corina Machado, boycotted the vote to avoid legitimizing what it called a “farce,” while a smaller faction led by Henrique Capriles participated, citing past failures of abstention.
Turnout was low at just over 42%, and the results were overshadowed by accusations of repression, including more than 70 pre-election arrests and the continued dominance of a CNE seen as loyal to President Nicolás Maduro. The elections also controversially included representatives for the disputed Essequibo region, despite a UN order against it.
The outcome further consolidates Maduro’s power, following a July 2024 presidential election widely condemned as fraudulent. With the opposition deeply divided and international pressure mounting, Venezuela’s political crisis appears far from resolution.
