Venezuela: Maduro's suffers setback, e-voting firm disputes election turnout
Smartmatic, the firm that provided election technology to Venezuela, has dismissed the government's voter turnout claims in Sunday's controversial constituent assembly vote. Smartmatic said the turnout figures were inflated; their estimate is atleast one million lesser than the government's figure of eight million. Venezuela's election authorities have dismissed the firm's claim. The turnout figure is a crucial indicator of the support the government enjoys.
Maduro claims victory in controversial constituent assembly vote
On August 1, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory in the controversial election for the constituent assembly. Electoral officials announced that the election turnout was 41.5% while the opposition, which has refused to recognize it, said 88% of voters had abstained. The election was marred by violent nationwide protests leaving at least 10 people dead. The US has responded by slapping sanctions on Maduro.
Why does Maduro want a new constituent assembly?
The election would lead to the replacement of the opposition-controlled legislative body, the National Assembly, with a new 545-member constituent assembly. All members of the constituent assembly have been nominated by the Maduro administration. The assembly can draft or adopt a new constitution, which Maduro feels would facilitate "reconciliation and peace" in a polarized country. The opposition considers it a move towards dictatorship.
Smartmatic says election turnout figure was 'manipulated'
Smartmatic said, "We know, without any doubt, that the turnout of the recent election for a National Constituent Assembly was manipulated." The firm's boss said a full audit of votes is needed to establish turnout numbers. Smartmatic's claims represent a blow to President Nicolas Maduro. Opposition and independent analysts have disputed the turnout in the election which was condemned world-wide.
Reports: Electoral authority memo showed less than 4mn votes
In a separate development, Reuters has reported that it's seen an internal memo by electoral authorities which stated that less than four million votes were cast in the constituent assembly election, just two hours before polls closed.
Venezuelan election authorities, Maduro hit out at Smartmatic
Venezuela's election council chief Tibisay Lucena accused Smartmatic of attempting to "raise doubt" over the election result. Maduro maintains the election was free and fair and won't be tainted by "a company with its headquarters in London and its bank accounts in the United States". A request to launch a criminal investigation into Smartmatic's claims has been approved by Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly.
Maduro proceeding with the constituent assembly despite opposition
The new constituent assembly has received its first deputies, which includes Maduro's wife and son. The swearing in process has begun and the assembly will hold its first sitting on August 3. The opposition meanwhile has called for fresh protests to coincide with the assembly's installation. Venezuela continues to remain in a state of political turmoil.
