Protests have erupted in Caracas following the controversial outcome of Venezuela’s presidential election.
Thousands took to the streets to oppose President Nicolás Maduro’s claim of victory. Demonstrators vowed to continue their protests until there is a new government, with some calling for security forces to join their cause. However, the military and police have largely remained loyal to Maduro, responding to protests with tear gas and rubber bullets.
Local authorities report around 750 arrests, while NGOs indicate multiple deaths and numerous injuries. Venezuela’s Defense Minister labeled the protests as an attempted coup, asserting that Maduro has the military’s “absolute loyalty.” The Attorney General, a close ally of Maduro, confirmed that a soldier was killed during the protests.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado has urged for peaceful demonstrations, cautioning against government attempts to provoke violence. She asserted that their candidate won 70% of the vote and accused the government of electoral fraud.
Protests intensified after the head of the National Electoral Council (CNE), a Maduro ally, declared him re-elected for a third term with 51% of the votes. The opposition claims the results are fraudulent and disputes the CNE’s tallies. The Organization of American States (OAS) has criticized the government for distorting the results, while opposition leader Edmundo González’s team claims he won by a significant margin.
On Monday, the CNE reaffirmed that all votes had been counted and Maduro was the winner. Attorney General Tarek Saab warned that arrested individuals would face charges ranging from resisting authority to terrorism. Among those detained is Freddy Superlano, the national political coordinator for the opposition Voluntad Popular party.
Protesters, including those from Caracas’ slums, expressed hope that street pressure might lead to a change in leadership. They urged security forces to join their side, emphasising that they too are Venezuelans. Supporters of Maduro also demonstrated, defending the president and accusing the opposition of trying to stage a coup.
The political crisis in Venezuela, exacerbated by economic hardships, has led to the exodus of nearly 7.8 million people. The United Nations’ human rights chief has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and urged the government to respect the rights of protesters.
