Venezuela’s current government has won 20 out of 23 state governorships in what is the nation’s first election in four years whereby the main opposition parties took part

The turnout for the election was around 41 percent, which is one of the lowest rates recorded in 20 years.

The Cuban president also provided his congratulations to his Venezuelan counterpart before the results were verified.

In previous years, Venezuela’s opposition parties have boycotted federal elections and told voters to refrain from taking part arguing that it was an unfair contest.

The previous election was overshadowed by claims of vote-rigging by the current president’s party and saw over 50 countries refusing to recognise the result.

Many sceptics believe the current government has developed such a tight grip over electoral officials that a free and fair election in Venezuela is no longer possible.