Nicolas Maduro declared Venezuelan election winner as opposition claims irregularities

President Nicolas Maduro displays a mini edition of Venezuela’s constitution after voting in the presidential elections in Caracas (Fernando Vergara/AP)

President Nicolas Maduro has been declared the winner of Venezuela’s presidential election, even as his opponents were preparing to dispute the results.

The dispute sets up a high-stakes showdown that will determine whether the South American nation transitions away from one-party rule.