President Nicolás Maduro’s ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) secured a sweeping victory in Sunday’s regional and legislative elections, winning 23 out of 24 governorships and nearly 83% of the national vote, according to the National Electoral Council (CNE). The outcome was largely expected, as major opposition groups boycotted the vote over alleged fraud in last year’s presidential election.

The PSUV’s dominance ensures continued control over key state institutions, including the attorney general’s office and supreme court, both selected by lawmakers.

Opposition leaders Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez, who dispute the official results of the 2024 election, urged citizens to abstain, describing the vote as a “farce.” Photos of empty polling stations circulated online, though the government extended voting hours claiming high turnout. Ultimately, turnout was 42.6%—in line with the 2021 elections.

Henrique Capriles, a former presidential candidate, participated and won a legislative seat. He defended his decision, stating, “It’s better to have a voice in the National Assembly than to give it away entirely.”

Arrests and Crackdown on Dissent

The vote was held under tight security, with more than 400,000 police and military personnel deployed. At least 70 people were arrested before the election, including opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa, accused of terrorism. The opposition claims the arrests are part of a broader crackdown on dissent.

Post-election, President Maduro declared the results a “victory for peace and stability,” and said the Bolivarian revolution was “stronger than ever.”

In defiance of a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Venezuela also elected a governor and eight lawmakers for the oil-rich Essequibo region, claimed by neighboring Guyana. The area, which remains under Guyanese control, saw no actual voting. Guyana condemned the move as a threat to regional peace.

President Maduro insisted that Essequibo is part of Venezuela, promising it will be governed with “resources, a budget, and full support.”