Venezuela's ruling party claims election victory amid opposition boycott

Venezuela's ruling party, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), has declared an overwhelming victory in regional and parliamentary elections, which were largely boycotted by opposition parties. The electoral council (CNE), dominated by government loyalists, reported that PSUV candidates won 23 out of 24 gubernatorial races and secured 82.68% of the National Assembly votes.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado dismissed the elections as a farce, claiming turnout was below 15%. Independent journalists observed low voter participation, while the CNE reported a 42.6% turnout. The opposition has long criticized the CNE's lack of independence.

President Nicolás Maduro hailed the results as a victory for peace and stability. Meanwhile, tensions over the disputed Essequibo region escalated, with Venezuela conducting a symbolic vote despite an International Court of Justice order to refrain.