Reuters
CARACAS
Venezuela's socialist President Nicolas Maduro faced international condemnation on Monday after his re-election in a vote foes denounced as a farce that cemented autocracy in the crisis-stricken oil-producing nation.
Maduro, 55, hailed his win in Sunday's vote as a victory against"imperialism,"but his main rival alleged irregularities and refused to recognize the result.
Venezuela's mainstream opposition boycotted the election, given that two of its most popular leaders were barred from running, authorities had banned the coalition and various of its parties from using their names, and the election board is run by Maduro loyalists. Turnout was under 50 percent.
Thousands of Maduro supporters, many wearing red berets, hugged and danced outside the Miraflores presidential palace, showered in confetti in the yellow, blue and red colors of the Venezuelan national flag.
"The revolution is here to stay!"a jubilant Maduro told the crowd, promising to prioritize economic recovery after five years of recession in the OPEC nation of 30 million people.
"Let's go, Nico!"his supporters chanted until after midnight during party scenes in downtown Caracas.
"We mustn't cave to any empire, or go running to the International Monetary Fund as Argentina did. The opposition must leave us alone to govern,"said government supporter Ingrid Sequera, 51. She wore a T-shirt with a logo featuring the eyes of Maduro's socialist predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez.
Spain, which has led European Union criticism of Maduro, also weighed in."Venezuela's electoral process has not respected the most basic democratic standards.
Spain and its European partners will study appropriate measures and continue to work to alleviate Venezuelans'suffering,"tweeted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.