Caracas, Venezuela - July 28, 2024

Venezuelans took to polling stations across the country on Sunday morning to vote for their next president as the South American nation's 2024 presidential election officially kicked off.

A total of 10 presidential candidates including incumbent President Nicolas Maduro competed in the election.

More than 1,000 national and international observers were deployed nationwide to monitor the election.

The voting ended at 18:00 local time (2200 GMT) on Sunday, with the preliminary results expected to be announced later at night.

Over 15,000 polling stations were set up across the country for more than 21 million voters to cast ballots.

As of Sunday morning, 95 percent of polling stations in Venezuela were operational, National Electoral Council (CNE) President Elvis Amoroso announced.

In his first report of the day to accredited media covering the election, Amoroso said that the only requirement to vote in Venezuela was to present a national ID card, even if expired.

In order to ensure the smooth going of the election, the Venezuelan government deployed nearly 380,000 soldiers and police officers nationwide to maintain order.

During the election, public gatherings and the sale of alcohol and alcoholic beverages in public were prohibited, and temporary border control measures were also implemented.

Under a simple majority system, the candidate with the most votes in a round of voting will become the next president of Venezuela.

Shotlist:
Caracas, Venezuela - July 28, 2024:
1. Various of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro registering, casting ballot;
2. Various of voters outside polling station;
3. Voters checking information about presidential election;
4. Various of voters waiting in line outside polling station.

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