Venezuelans protest a disputed presidential election that saw incumbent Nicolas Maduro claim victory, while opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez alleges electoral fraud and presents evidence of his win.
Venezuela has erupted in protests as both sides of the presidential election claim victory, casting doubt on the results and sparking widespread unrest.
Opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez has presented over 70% of tally sheets, alleging that district-by-district results show he won double the votes over President Nicolas Maduro. However, the National Electoral Council has declared Maduro the winner of Sunday's vote, despite leaked polling showing overwhelming support for the opposition.
Venezuela: Protests Erupt Amid 'Fraud' Allegations in Disputed Election
The opposition alleges electoral fraud, claiming that Maduro's United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) has ruled as a dictatorship since he took office in 2013. Opposition parties boycotted the 2018 election but united behind Gonzalez in this recent contest.
The National Electoral Council announced Maduro won 51% of the vote to the opposition's 44%, sparking immediate condemnation from regional leaders. Argentinian President Javier Milei called the victory an "electoral scam," while Chilean President Gabriel Boric refused to recognize the results.
Venezuela: Protests Erupt Amid 'Fraud' Allegations in Disputed Election
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa denounced Maduro's government as a dictatorship, stating that they were witnessing another attempt to deprive millions of Venezuelans of their homeland.
Venezuela has severed ties with countries demanding an independent recount, including Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. Latin American nations plan to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the issue.
Venezuela: Protests Erupt Amid 'Fraud' Allegations in Disputed Election
The Biden administration has expressed "serious concerns" about the results and insists they do not reflect the will of the Venezuelan people. Panama has suspended diplomatic ties until an independent review occurs. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele argued that the "official result has no relation to reality."
Venezuelans have taken to the streets in protest, initially peacefully but escalating into violence as riot police used tear gas to disperse crowds. Protesters threw objects, including stones, at police, who responded with force.
Venezuela: Protests Erupt Amid 'Fraud' Allegations in Disputed Election
Maduro has dismissed the pushback as an attempt to impose a coup d'etat, stating, "we know this movie, and this time, there will be no weakness." He vowed that Venezuela's law would be respected.
International pressure mounts as the Associated Press reports that Venezuelans demand transparency and the protection of their democratic rights. The outcome of the election remains uncertain, with the opposition determined to prove their claims of fraud and the Maduro government facing growing condemnation and protests.
