Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice, closely aligned with President Nicolás Maduro, ruled on Thursday that he won the controversial presidential election held on July 28, despite substantial evidence suggesting that his opponent secured the majority of the votes. The court’s decision, which lacked transparency, has drawn widespread criticism both domestically and internationally.

The ruling claimed Maduro’s victory was validated by a report from a group of “national and international experts” and allegedly supported by vote machine tallies. However, the court did not release any voting data to substantiate these claims, ignoring demands from thousands of protesting Venezuelans and international observers who have called for proof of the election results.

The decision was unsurprising to many, as Venezuela’s highest court has a history of endorsing Maduro’s policies. This ruling is expected to bolster Maduro’s grip on power as he prepares to begin a new term in January, which would extend his presidency until 2031.

Maduro is likely to use this court decision to resist international pressure, particularly from the United States, Colombia, and Brazil, which have urged his government to verify the election results and consider a power transition if the tally reveals he lost. These countries, along with the broader international community, have questioned the legitimacy of the election.

On election night, the government-controlled election council claimed Maduro won over 50 percent of the vote but failed to provide supporting evidence. In contrast, the opposition, which declared it had secured 67 percent of the vote, published detailed results on its website, backed by data from state-certified election observers.

The United States and several other nations have recognized the opposition candidate as the rightful winner, further isolating Maduro on the global stage. In response to international criticism, Maduro has ordered several foreign diplomatic missions to leave Venezuela, signaling his defiance and intent to maintain his hold on power.