NBC: Venezuela: Government, Opposition Clash Over Turnout Numbers in Controversial Elections
MIAMI — Betty Blanco refused to vote in Venezuela's elections on Sunday because she said she loves her country too much.
The 77-year-old Caracas resident boycotted the controversial vote for a new constitutional assembly — a body that would vastly expand the powers of the country's ruling Socialist Party —"out of love for my country and for respect to my grandchild, because I don't want to leave him a mess of a country," calling the elections a "complete fraud."
Blanco was far from alone, according to the opposition and outside observers. Members of the opposition said they believed between 2 million and 3 million people voted. An exit poll by New York investment bank Torino Capital and a Venezuela public opinion company — based on surveys from 110 voting centers — put the number of voters at 3.6 million, or about 18.5 percent.
The country's election authorities, meanwhile, put the number of voters at 8.1 million, equaling a 41.5 percent turnout.
The different turnout numbers add more tension between the government and the opposition.
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WNU Editor: I asked a friend of mine who lives in Guyana and who watches the news and programs from Venezuela if reports of a high turnout are true. He just responded .... if it was true the Venezuelan government would have been at numerous polling stations running scores of videos showing happy voters supporting President Maduro. They did not.
More News On Venezuela's Vote For A Constitutional Assembly
Venezuela officials claim more than 8 million vote to grant government more power -- FOX News/AP
Venezuela‘s President Nicolas Maduro claims huge victory in vote to grant socialist party virtually unlimited powers -- The Independent
Venezuela's Maduro claims poll victory as opposition cries foul -- BBC
'Victory for the revolution': Venezuelan President Maduro claims election win as opponents vow to keep protesting after 10 are killed in wave of bloodshed -- Daily Mail
Venezuela Lauds Contentious Vote Result Amid Growing Violence -- Bloomberg
Venezuela poll: EU condemns violence as turnout figure disputed -- The Guardian
Maduro Waits for U.S. Response After Violent Venezuela Vote -- Bloomberg
Venezuela braces for more deadly protest after ‘sham’ election to empower President Nicolas Maduro draws international condemnation -- SCMP
