Venezuela’s Supreme Court Affirms Maduro’s Election Victory Amid Controversy

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has confirmed President Nicolás Maduro’s victory in the July 28, 2024, presidential election, despite ongoing accusations of electoral fraud from the opposition. The court, known for its history of supporting government decisions, dismissed claims that the voting results showing a landslide loss for Maduro were falsified.
In its ruling, the court validated the results issued by the National Electoral Council (CNE), declaring Maduro the winner of the election. Maduro, seeking a third six-year term, claims to have defeated opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia by over 1 million votes. However, Gonzalez Urrutia and his supporters have alleged widespread vote rigging, with Gonzalez Urrutia publicly rejecting the court’s decision by posting an image labeled “void” on social media.
The court’s decision is part of Maduro’s broader effort to quell protests and address international criticism regarding the election’s legitimacy. The United Nations Human Rights Council has questioned the court’s impartiality, highlighting concerns about undue government influence over both the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) and the CNE. A UN fact-finding panel, led by Marta Valinas, criticized the lack of independence and impartiality in the judicial process.
This ruling contrasts sharply with the findings of international observers, including the United Nations and the Carter Center, who have raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.