CARACAS, Aug 23 (V7N)- Venezuela's Supreme Court, perceived by many as being aligned with President Nicolás Maduro, has declared him the winner of the disputed July 28, 2024, presidential election despite widespread allegations of fraud by the opposition. The court, in its ruling, stated that it had "indisputably certified election materials" and validated the results as issued by the National Electoral Council (CNE), confirming Maduro's victory.

Opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia rejected the ruling, accusing the court of attempting to please Maduro and asserting that the decision would only deepen the country's political crisis. He claimed that his own tally, based on polling station results, showed that he had won over two-thirds of the vote, a claim that Maduro's party has dismissed as forged.

International observers and human rights organizations have expressed concern over the impartiality of Venezuela's Supreme Court and the CNE. The United Nations Human Rights Council, as well as Human Rights Watch, have criticized the decision, warning of the government's undue influence over the judicial system.

The ruling has sparked further tensions in Venezuela, with post-election violence resulting in 27 deaths, numerous injuries, and thousands of arrests. International leaders, including Chilean President Gabriel Boric, have condemned the Supreme Court's decision, labeling it as an attempt to cover up electoral fraud and further entrench Maduro's authoritarian rule.