Overview

• Voter participation remains notably low, with military personnel outnumbering voters in some Caracas polling stations, reflecting widespread disillusionment with the electoral process.
• The elections follow the arrest of dozens of individuals, including a prominent opposition leader, two days before voting, further intensifying fears of government repression.
• A nationwide poll predicted only 15.9% voter turnout, with the majority of participants favoring the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela and its allies.
• Many voters abstained, viewing participation as legitimizing President Nicolás Maduro’s contested leadership and repressive governance since the disputed 2024 presidential election.
• The ruling party has already declared an overwhelming victory, despite ongoing concerns over fairness, transparency, and the absence of international observers.