Overview

• The Venezuelan government declared victory in regional and legislative elections, securing 23 of 24 governorships, despite a voter abstention rate of nearly 58%.
• Opposition leader María Corina Machado called the high abstention a rejection of the Maduro government, while other opposition factions participated in the elections.
• The elections occurred alongside an ongoing economic crisis, with inflation surging and the bolivar continuing to depreciate against the dollar.
• Symbolic elections were held in the disputed Esequibo territory, further straining relations with Guyana, which has U.S. backing in the territorial dispute.
• Over 50 people were arrested before the elections, with the government alleging plans for violent acts tied to opposition groups.