The Iranian Foreign Ministry hailed the successful, transparent and democratic presidential election in Venezuela that led to victory for Nicolas Maduro, expressing Iran’s support for the South American nation in pursuing progress.

According to The Iran Project, in  a post on his X account on Monday morning, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani congratulated the Venezuelan government and nation on holding the successful presidential election.

The huge turnout of voters in the Venezuelan election in the presence of hundreds of international observers from the foreign countries, institutions and organizations, despite a series of threats and the imposition of cruel and unfair sanctions against Venezuela, indicated the institutionalization of democracy in that country, Kanaani said.

He also reaffirmed Iran’s support for and solidarity with Venezuela in advancing its national development plans and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Maduro, 61, has been declared the winner in Venezuela’s presidential election by the electoral authority.

Elvis Amoroso, head of the National Electoral Council, said Maduro secured 51 percent of the vote, overcoming opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez who garnered 44 percent.

He said the results were based on 80 percent of voting stations, marking an irreversible trend.