Socialist Maduro wins by landslide
Venezuela’s socialist President Nicolas Maduro faced international condemnation on Monday after his re-election in a vote foes denounced as a farce that cemented autocracy in the crisis-stricken oil-producing nation.
Maduro, 55, hailed his win in Sunday’s vote as a victory against “imperialism,” but his main rival alleged irregularities and refused to recognise the result.
Venezuela’s mainstream opposition boycotted the election, given that two of its most popular leaders were barred from running. Turnout was under 50 per cent.
Thousands of Maduro supporters, many wearing red berets, hugged and danced outside the Miraflores presidential palace, showered in confetti in the yellow, blue and red colours of the Venezuelan national flag.
“The revolution is here to stay!” a jubilant Maduro told the crowd, promising to prioritise economic recovery after five years of recession in the OPEC nation of 30 million people. “Let’s go, Nico!” his supporters chanted until after midnight during party scenes in downtown Caracas.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR READERS
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR READERS