Venezuela's Ruling Party Consolidates Power In Municipal Elections

The National/AFP: Venezuelans stay away from elections, handing win to ruling party

National Electoral Council chair Tibisay Lucena put the rate of abstention at 72.6 per cent

Venezuelans stayed away in droves Sunday from municipal elections, handing a victory to the ruling party – but with just 27 per cent turnout.

National Electoral Council chair Tibisay Lucena put the rate of abstention at 72.6 per cent. As such, the ruling party won 142 of 156 jurisdictions in play, she said.

Some 20.7 million Venezuelans were eligible to vote.

Ms Lucena called it "a calm day of civic and democratic action".

The results were hardly a surprise: analysts had predicted record low turnout, citing mistrust in the process, the banning of opposition parties and widespread exhaustion amid the ongoing socioeconomic crisis.

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WNU Editor: The Venezuelan government is saying that the rate of abstention at 72.6 per cent. I am willing to bet that the real number is over 90%.

More News On Venezuela's Municipal Elections

Maduro’s grip on Venezuela tightens, warns of Trump threat -- AP
Few Venezuelans turn out for municipal elections amid crisis -- Reuters
Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro further consolidates power in municipal vote -- DW
Venezuela ruling party wins local polls marred by low turnout -- Al Jazeera