More than 21 million Venezuelans are called to the polls today in municipal elections to elect 335 mayors and 2,471 councillors, marking the conclusion of a constitutional electoral cycle.
These elections—the 33rd since the arrival of the Bolivarian Revolution—will be decisive in consolidating President Nicolás Maduro’s government strategy to transform the country and advance the construction of a new state, rooted in the power of the people.
Maduro’s victory in last year’s presidential elections, winning 23 of 24 governorships, and securing an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly (parliament) on 25 May, bolstered the government’s plans, now backed by legislative power.
On 19 May, the parliament enacted the Organic Law of the National Development Plan for the Seven Transformations 2025-2031, outlining strategic guidelines for the country’s transformation and development over the next six years.
The forces of the Great Patriotic Pole Simón Bolívar will today seek to secure all 335 mayoralties, as predicted, which would require wresting 105 municipal councils from opposition parties. However, official results must be awaited, given a divided—though not defeated—opposition.
A total of 21,524,126 voters are called to cast their ballots from 06:00 to 18:00 local time today to elect 2,806 officials, including 335 mayors and 2,471 councillors. Of the latter, 1,420 will be elected by list vote (60%), 982 by nominal vote (40%), and 69 representing Indigenous peoples, across 596 constituencies.
These elections will also coincide, for the first time, with the third National Popular Consultation, this time focused on youth, which will approve 5,336 projects out of over 37,000 proposals debated and selected in community assemblies.
The process will include 15,731 voting centres, with 15,710 operating simultaneously for the National Popular Consultation, and 20,410 polling stations, of which 15,936 will be dedicated to youth voting, according to electoral authorities.
53 political organisations—national, regional, and representing Indigenous peoples—are participating, having nominated 148,554 men and women, with 15,791 candidates ultimately registered, surpassing the 2021 municipal elections.
The Bolivarian National Armed Forces deployed 180,000 personnel under the Plan República to safeguard voting centres nationwide, protect electoral equipment and materials, and ensure the safety of voters.
The elections will be overseen by 1,400 national and international observers to guarantee transparency, confirmed the National Electoral Council (CNE).
