Final Results of Venezuela Elections: Two-Thirds of Seats Went to Opposition

The final results announced regarding the parliamentary elections in Venezuela indicate that the opposition to the ruling socialist government has secured two-thirds of the seats. This majority victory significantly enhances the opposition coalition's position against Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela. It is the first time in 17 years that the opposition gains parliamentary superiority. The Venezuelan National Electoral Council announced on December 7, 48 hours after the voting ended, that Maduro's opposition coalition, the 'Democratic Unity', has obtained 112 seats out of a total of 167 in the 'National Assembly'. The socialists hold the remaining 55 seats. The new parliament will begin its work next month. The preliminary results announced were at least 13 seats fewer for the opposition than the final results. The opposition had previously stated that they expected a broader victory than the preliminary results indicated. Enrique Capriles, the opposition leader, told the Associated Press, 'If Maduro does not change, we will change the government.' Mr. Capriles had previously lost to Mr. Maduro in the 2013 presidential elections. The current president came to power following the death of Hugo Chávez and is considered one of his closest politicians. The decline in oil prices, inflation, and the overall economic situation are seen as significant factors contributing to the socialists' defeat.