Venezuelan Election Sparks International Skepticism as Maduro Claims Third Term

There is widespread skepticism among world leaders following the announcement by Venezuela’s electoral authority that Nicolas Maduro has secured a third term as President of the country. Exit polling across the country had reportedly pointed to substantial opposition support before the National Electoral Council’s (CNE) declaration, and opposition leaders claimed victory despite the announcement of Mr. Maduro’s electoral win.‌ Sunday’s presidential election was between Mr. Maduro and opposition candidate Edmundo González. The former diplomat came to represent the country’s anti-Maduro political wing after opposition leader Maria Machado and her alternate were both banned from registering as candidates. Following the announcement of Mr. Maduro’s win, Ms. Machando contended that it was Mr. González who garnered the majority of votes – as much as 70% of ballots cast were for him, she declared. ‌“The Venezuelans and the entire world know what happened,” said a defiant Mr. González, a sen...