The 2024 presidential election in Venezuela, which resulted in the re-election of Nicolás Maduro, sparked a wave of controversy and division both within the country and internationally. Maduro’s victory, proclaimed by the National Electoral Council (CNE) with 51.20% of the vote in July 2024, was surrounded by questions, especially due to the lack of transparency in the disclosure of detailed results, such as the absence of data broken down by polling stations and voting centers. The opposition, mainly represented by the United Democratic Platform, claimed that the true winner of the election was the opposition candidate, González, and that the ballots had been manipulated. To support their version, the opposition collected electoral minutes directly from the CNE and, with the help of experts, validated the authenticity of these documents. However, Maduro’s government rejected these claims, calling the minutes fake and reaffirming that the election results were legitimate.
Meanwhile, various countries, with differing political stances, positioned themselves regarding the election, dividing into those who recognized Maduro’s victory, those who contested the results, and those who preferred to take a more cautious stance, awaiting further proof of the legitimacy of the electoral process. The international political scene continued to unfold tensely, with Maduro’s inauguration for his third term scheduled for January 10, 2025, just a few days after the announcement of the results. Amid this controversy, more than 20 countries expressed support for Nicolás Maduro’s re-election, formally recognizing his victory and expressing confidence in the role he would play in governing Venezuela. Below are some of the countries that recognized Maduro’s victory and statements from their leaders:
Nicaragua
Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega was one of the first to express his support for Maduro, congratulating him on his “electoral victory.” Ortega went further by offering military support in case Venezuela faced an “armed counter-revolution.” According to him, if the country found itself in a state of war, the “Sandinista fighters” would be ready to support Maduro in defending the Venezuelan revolution, alluding to Ortega’s historical support for Maduro’s cause.
Bolivia
Luis Arce, President of Bolivia, also congratulated Maduro on his re-election, emphasizing that the “will of the Venezuelan people was respected at the polls.” Arce expressed his commitment to continue strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and reaffirmed the solid friendship and regional cooperation ties between Bolivia and Venezuela, which had existed since the time of Evo Morales’ government, Arce’s predecessor.
Cuba
Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel wasted no time in congratulating Maduro on his “historic victory.” For the Cuban president, Maduro’s election represented a victory for the “Venezuelan people,” who showed “dignity and courage in the face of external pressures.” Díaz-Canel emphasized that, by winning the election, Maduro had defeated a “pro-imperialist” opposition and reiterated that the solidarity relationship between Cuba and Venezuela would continue to be a pillar of Cuban foreign policy, reinforcing the idea that the two countries are strategic allies against what they consider U.S. attempts at domination.
Honduras
Xiomara Castro, President of Honduras, also joined the countries that recognized Maduro’s victory, calling it an “undeniable triumph.” However, the president announced she would not attend Maduro’s inauguration, although she suggested that Honduras would send a diplomatic delegation, made up of government representatives, to participate in the ceremony. Castro’s decision reflects a more cautious and pragmatic stance, while also expressing respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty, but without full commitment to Maduro’s policies.
Russia
Vladimir Putin’s support for Maduro’s re-election was another key point in international politics. Putin officially recognized Maduro’s victory and, as part of the alliance between the two countries, reiterated Russia’s position in supporting the Venezuelan government. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia was ready to collaborate with Venezuela in various areas, from the economy to security, and expressed confidence that Maduro would continue to work to strengthen the country’s independence and sovereignty. The relationship between Venezuela and Russia has been essential, with Moscow investing in infrastructure and natural resources projects in Venezuela, in addition to providing political support in international forums.
China
China, led by Xi Jinping, also aligned itself with countries that recognized Maduro’s re-election. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian declared that the electoral process in Venezuela was legitimate and congratulated Maduro on his victory. Lin further reinforced the strategic partnership between China and Venezuela, highlighting China’s role as a reliable partner in the development of infrastructure and providing investments for Venezuela’s economy. China has been one of Venezuela’s main commercial and economic allies, particularly during times of economic crisis, offering loans and investments in the oil and gas sector.
Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo also congratulated Maduro and expressed his desire to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Equatorial Guinea has been an important ally of Venezuela in several areas, including energy, and has positioned itself similarly to other countries facing international pressures, such as Cuba and Russia.
Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his congratulations to Maduro, stating that Venezuela’s authorities’ efforts to validate the election results should be respected. Erdogan’s support reflects the continuation of the strategic alliance between Turkey and Venezuela, which has deepened in recent years, with Turkey playing an active role in trade and diplomatic relations with Caracas.
Laos
The government of Laos, led by Thongloun Sisoulith, offered its congratulations to Maduro, expressing confidence in the Venezuelan president’s experience and knowledge to guide the country toward a prosperous future. Laos’s support, like that of many other countries, reflects the alignment of nations that have close relations with Maduro’s government, often in exchange for economic or political support.
Uzbekistan
Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, also recognized Maduro’s victory and expressed his interest in expanding cooperation between the two countries. Uzbekistan has shown receptiveness to Venezuela in terms of trade, development, and investments, and Mirziyoyev’s support reinforces this partnership.
Other countries that recognized Maduro as the elected president include:
Belarus, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Qatar, Djibouti, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, São Tomé and Príncipe, Serbia, Sudan, Vietnam, Zimbabwe.
With Maduro’s inauguration approaching, the question of which countries will be represented at the ceremony has sparked discussions. Brazil’s presidency, led by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, confirmed that it would send the Brazilian ambassador to Caracas, Glivânia Maria de Oliveira, to represent Brazil at the inauguration. This comes at a moment of diplomatic caution from Brazil, which, while recognizing Maduro’s victory, has not shown explicit support for his new term.
Mexico, which maintained a neutral stance after the election and continued to observe the developments in Venezuela, will also send a diplomatic delegation to the inauguration. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the diplomatic representation would be made up of senior government officials, reflecting the country’s cautious and watchful position regarding Maduro’s government.
In contrast, the Colombian government, led by Gustavo Petro, opted not to send high-level representatives to the inauguration. Petro, who aligned with international criticisms of the legitimacy of the electoral process in Venezuela, reaffirmed that, although he does not recognize the results, he will not break diplomatic relations with the neighboring country. The Colombian government decided to send Colombia’s ambassador to Caracas, Milton Rengifo, to attend the inauguration as a diplomatic gesture balancing political criticism with the continuation of bilateral relations.
The issue of recognition and representatives at Maduro’s inauguration continues to be an important theme in international politics, reflecting the complexity of diplomatic relations in a context of ideological disputes and geopolitical interests at play.
