72% of Venezuelans Ready to Move Past Elections and Focus on Progress While 33% Still Believe Fraud Claims

Caracas (OrinocoTribune.com) — According to the latest polling study by the prestigious Venezuelan firm Hinterlaces, released on Tuesday, September 24, via social media, 72% of Venezuelans wish to move past the electoral phase and focus on improving their country, particularly the economy. Only 26% of those surveyed disagreed, while 2% were undecided or did not respond. Interestingly, 33% of respondents still believe the far-right narrative of electoral fraud in the July 28 presidential elections, with an additional 7% unsure how to answer.

The same survey, when conducted in August, revealed that 69% of participants believe President Maduro is capable of implementing necessary measures to enhance the economy, despite illegal sanctions imposed by Washington against Venezuela. In contrast, only 22% expressed a desire for an opposition government, while 9% were undecided or did not respond.

Hinterlaces stands out as the most credible polling firm across Venezuela’s polarized political spectrum. On July 28, the day of the presidential elections, Hinterlaces released an exit poll that closely predicted the final results. The poll suggested Nicolas Maduro would win with 54.57% of the votes, while far-right candidate Edmundo González would secure 42.82%. The final bulletin from the Venezuelan Electoral Council (CNE) reported that 51.95% of voters supported Nicolas Maduro’s reelection, with González receiving 43.18% of the vote.

The September Hinterlaces study, conducted with a nationwide sample of 1,200 people and a 3% margin of error, explored a hypothetical scenario. If the presidential elections were to be held again the following weekend, 54% of respondents would support Nicolás Maduro’s reelection as President. In contrast, 35% would choose other candidates, while 11% were undecided or did not respond.

Regarding the July 28 presidential elections, the majority of interviewees rejected claims of fraud. 60% disagreed with such allegations, while 33% believed fraud had occurred. The remaining 7% were uncertain or did not answer. However, the high percentage of Venezuelans still accepting the far-right opposition’s fraud narrative might be influenced by a specific factor: the CNE has not yet published the disaggregated results of the presidential elections in the Electoral Gazette, as mandated by the Supreme Court ruling that ratified the electoral results. This omission has raised questions among many Venezuelans, including those within the Chavista ranks.