Polls close in Venezuela as first exit polls show opposition with large lead in presidential elections

As polls have officially closed in the Venezuelan presidential elections on Sunday, a new phase of expectation and uncertainty envelops the country. Several polling stations remained open after closing time so people queuing at the time could cast their ballot.

Amid this climate, Edison Research, which performs exit polling at major American elections, published figures showing that Edmundo González has a 64% to 31% lead over incumbent president Nicolás Maduro. According to Juan Forero, the Wall Street Journal bureau chief for South America, Edison polled 6465 Venezuelan voters across 100 polling stations.

Edison Research itself published the following tweet:

The poll has been shared from several prominent figures in Venezuelan politics including Juan Guaidó and Leopoldo López.

However, both parties have called for patience. The opposition's presidential candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, said on X that he is "respectful of the law" (referring to exit polls being banned inside the country). "We'll wait for the results calmly", he added. Héctor Rodríguez, a pro Maduro governor from Miranda and close member of his current campaign team, stated in a press conference that "nothing should stain this beautiful process" and that "institutions will determine the results."

Earlier on Sunday, upon casting his vote, González Urrutia also expressed his confidence that the Armed Forces will "help uphold the result" adding a message of hope for all his followers:

"We're going to change hate for love, poverty for progress, corruption for honesty and farewell for encounters. We're a few hours away from that change"