CARACAS — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his opposition rival Edmundo Gonzalez were each claiming victory in a presidential election on the morning of July 29, after a vote marked by accusations of underhand tactics and isolated incidents of violence.

The country's electoral authority said just after midnight on July 29 that Maduro had won a third term with 51 per cent of the vote, despite multiple exit polls which pointed to an opposition win.

The authority said opposition candidate Gonzalez won 44 per cent of the vote, though the opposition had earlier said it had "reasons to celebrate" and asked supporters to continue monitoring vote counts.

Maduro, appearing at the presidential palace before cheering supporters, said his re-election is a triumph of peace and stability and reiterated his campaign trail assertion that Venezuela's electoral system is transparent.

He will sign a decree on Monday to hold a "great national dialogue", Maduro added.

Fireworks sounded over Caracas, as lighted drones formed a brightly-coloured image of Maduro in the sky above the presidential palace.

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