Maduro and his opponent both claim election victory

President Nicolas Maduro and opposition rival Edmundo Gonzalez have both claimed victory in Venezuela’s presidential election as the United States and others cast doubt on the official results.

- ALASTAIR JAMIESON

The national electoral authority said Mr Maduro had won a third term with 51 per cent of the vote – a result that would extend a quarter-century of socialist rule. But independent exit polls pointed to a big opposition win, following enthusiastic shows of support for Mr Gonzalez and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on the campaign trail.

Mr Gonzalez won 70 per cent, said Ms Machado, who has been barred from holding public office.

Mr Gonzalez told supporters that the rules had been violated on polling day. “Our message of reconciliation and peaceful change still stands ... our struggle continues and we won’t rest until the will of the people of Venezuela is respected,” he said.

It was not immediately clear exactly what the opposition’s next move might be. Mr Gonzalez said he was not calling for supporters to take to the streets or commit any acts of violence.