2024-07-30 12:52:14
The market research and survey company Edison Research has issued a statement suggesting a resounding victory for the opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia in the presidential elections of Venezuela. According to the firm’s latest exit poll, González, who represents the Unitary Platformwould surpass Nicolas Maduro by a wide margin.
Preliminary estimates show that Gonzalez would obtain 65% of the votes, while Maduro, the current president with 25 years in power, would receive 31%. The other candidates would not manage to get more than 1% of the votes.
This election is crucial to determine the political future of Venezuela, given that it is torn between the continuity of Chavismo, headed by Maduro since 2013and the change proposed by a unified opposition, which had been marginalized from previous electoral processes, including the 2018 presidential elections.
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Maduro, 61, has expressed his commitment to the electoral process, stating that “whatever the electoral referee says will be recognized, and not only recognized, but defended.” This statement refers to the National Electoral Councilwhich is perceived as aligned with the ruling party. Maduro also stressed his intention to guarantee respect for official bulletins.
For his part, Edmundo González Urrutia, 74 years old and an ally of the opposition leader Maria Corina Machadowho was unable to run due to political disqualification, said that his team is prepared “to defend every last vote.” González expressed his confidence in the Armed Forces to ensure the legitimacy of the process.
Machado, who was optimistic after casting her vote, reported that as of 1:00 p.m. local time, 42.1% of the electoral roll had voted, representing approximately nine million people.
“We are seeing a tremendous turnout and I feel very proud. We are making a dream and a fight for freedom a reality,” Machado told reporters.
There are around 21 million registered voters on the electoral roll, out of a total population of 30 million. However, experts estimate that around 17 million people who live in Venezuela and have not emigrated will be able to exercise their right to vote. It should be noted that voting is not compulsory in the country.
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The situation in Venezuela remains tense as the final result of an election that could mark a significant change in the country’s political direction is awaited.
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2024-07-30 12:52:14