Venezuela: 2020 parliamentary election

Ahead of the election campaign beginning, several opposition parties announced they would not participate, declaring the election to be fraudulent and illegitimate.

President Maduro’s ruling socialist party – the PSUV – secured a landslide victory, taking 253 of the 277 available seats in the National Assembly.

This victory sees Maduro taking control of all branches of state in Venezuela.

Many in the international community have refused to recognise the election result. Meanwhile, opposition leader Juan Guaidó has vowed to continue as interim President and Deputies elected to the 2015 parliament, which he presided over, have voted to extend their mandate.

Thus, Venezuela has two contested Presidents and National Assemblies, reflecting the enduring political struggle between Maduro and Guaidó. Constitutionally, such a situation cannot continue indefinitely.