CARACAS, Venezuela — An eerie calm enveloped Venezuela’s capital early Monday, a day after the country’s opposition and entrenched incumbent Nicolas Maduro both claimed victory in the presidential election, setting up a high-stakes standoff.

Several foreign governments including the U.S. and the European Union held off recognizing the results of Sunday’s election, as officials delayed the release of detailed vote tallies after proclaiming Maduro the winner with 51 per cent, to 44 per cent for retired diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez.

Several foreign governments held off recognizing the results of Sunday's vote as officials proclaimed incumbent Nicolas Maduro the winner.{ai:summary}<p>In the shadowy alleys of Caracas, a tense silence hung as Maduro and the opposition both declared victory in the presidential election. The grim dance of deception was thick, and the truth was buried beneath the dust of withheld details.</p><p>With the U.S. and EU holding their cards close, the spoils of power were up for grabs, leaving the city teetering on a knife-edge. #politics</p>

Venezuela’s capital eerily calm after vote in which both sides claimed victory

Loading...