Venezuela’s Supreme Court confirms Maduro’s controversial election victory

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has upheld President Maduro’s controversial election victory. This is not surprising: the court is mainly made up of Maduro loyalists who hardly ever go against the president’s decisions.

After the July 28 elections, the Electoral Commission announced Maduro as the winner. However, the committee is in favor of Maduro and the detailed results of each polling station have not yet been shared. According to the electoral council, this is the result of a cyber attack, but little evidence has been provided for this. Also, independent observers were almost never allowed at the polls.

In pre-election polls, opposition candidate Edmundo González was comfortably ahead. According to the opposition, he won the election with 67 percent of the votes. The United States and several Latin American countries recognize that claim and consider González as the new president.

The European Union and the Organization of American States also say they have doubts about Maduro’s victory. Maduro’s ally Russia recognizes the official election results.

In addition to confirming the election results, the High Court has asked the Public Prosecution Service to investigate the falsification of public documents. According to Maduro and his party, the opposition shared fraudulent election results.

Since the elections, González’s supporters have taken to the streets. The riot police are taking tough action. At least 23 people have been killed and more than 1,500 people have been arrested since July 29, according to the human rights group Fora Penal.