Venezuela Elections: Over 2 Million Have Voted So Far

Venezuela's Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez has estimated that some 2.5 million people have voted by 10:00 a.m. local time. 
 

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Venezuelans Vote to Elect President, Local Councils

Venezuelans are expected to vote to elect their president and members of the regional legislative councils as voting centers opened throughout Venezuela Sunday. 

Rodriguez, member of the National Directorate of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), estimated a massive participation in the democratic process. 

"At this time, more than 2.5 million voters have already exercised their right to vote, according to reports that have reached our Simón Bolívar Campaign Command (...) What is happening in more than 14 of my polling stations it is a victory of democracy and peace," Rodriguez noted. 

Adding that people's participation on the voting day ratifies the defense of national sovereignty: "We are sending a message to the world that the issues that concern us Venezuelans, we resolve in a democratic way, precisely, the Venezuelans and the Venezuelans," he stated. 

Finally, the head of President Nicolas Maduro's campaign urged the people to exercise their right to suffrage.  

"To those who have not yet voted, let's go! Let's vote for Venezuela so that the whole world can hear the voice of millions, the voice of all. It is a simple process," he said.  

The polls are expected to close at 6:00 p.m. local time but those who are waiting to vote will be allowed to cast their vote beyond the set time.  
President Maduro already cast his vote early Sunday morning in Caracas before giving a moving speech calling on people to vote. During which, he also rejected the accusations from the United States and its allies that his government is a "dictatorship."