No Evidence That Maduro Won, a Top Venezuelan Election Official Says

The Opposition's Candidate, Capriles, Alleges Fraud

Venezuelan election official Tibisay Lucena has stated that there is no evidence of fraud in the recent presidential election, in which Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner. However, the opposition's candidate, Henrique Capriles, has alleged fraud and called for a recount.

Lucena's Statement

Lucena, president of the National Electoral Council (CNE), said that the CNE had conducted a thorough audit of the election results and found no irregularities. She said that the results were "irreversible" and that Maduro had won by a margin of 1.5%.

Capriles' Allegations

Capriles has alleged that there were numerous irregularities in the election, including the use of government resources to campaign for Maduro and the intimidation of opposition voters. He has also claimed that the CNE is biased in favor of Maduro and that it has refused to investigate his allegations of fraud.

International Reaction

The international community has reacted with concern to the allegations of fraud in the Venezuelan election. The United States has called for a recount and the European Union has said that it is "deeply concerned" about the allegations.

The Future of Venezuela

The outcome of the Venezuelan election is likely to have a significant impact on the future of the country. If Maduro is able to stay in power, he is likely to continue his authoritarian policies, which have led to widespread poverty and political repression. If Capriles is able to win a recount, he is likely to implement more democratic reforms.

Additional Information

• The Venezuelan election was held on April 14, 2013.
• Maduro was declared the winner by a margin of 1.5%.
• Capriles has alleged fraud and called for a recount.
• The international community has reacted with concern to the allegations of fraud.
• The outcome of the election is likely to have a significant impact on the future of Venezuela.

Sources

• New York Times: Venezuela's Electoral Council Says Maduro Won
• BBC: Venezuela election: Maduro declared winner amid fraud claims
• Reuters: Venezuela election: Maduro wins amid fraud claims