Venezuela’s political crisis has intensified following the disputed re-election of President Nicolás Maduro, with the death toll rising to at least six and hundreds arrested in ongoing protests. The opposition, led by María Corina Machado, continues to reject the official results, claiming their candidate Edmundo González Urrutia won with over 70% of the vote.The National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro the winner with 51.2% of the votes. However, the opposition asserts they have accessed 73% of the voting records, projecting a clear victory for González with over 6.2 million votes compared to Maduro’s 2.7 million. This discrepancy has fueled widespread protests and international concern.The Organization of American States (OAS) has strongly condemned the election, describing it as ‘the most aberrant manipulation’ and calling for a new vote. The international community’s response has been divided, with several Latin American countries demanding a full review of the results, while others, including Russia, have supported Maduro’s victory.In response to the unrest, the Venezuelan government has taken a hard line, with Attorney General Tarek William Saab announcing that 749 people have been arrested, many facing charges of ‘resisting authority and terrorism’. The military has expressed ‘absolute loyalty and unconditional support’ for Maduro, while the opposition continues to call for peaceful protests and urges the military not to suppress the people.The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of attempting to subvert democracy. Maduro has labeled the opposition as a ‘fascist, counter-revolutionary and criminal group’, while the opposition continues to organize protests, including a large gathering in Caracas. The international community watches closely, with the UN Human Rights Commissioner expressing concern over the escalating violence and calling for respect for the rights of Venezuelans to assemble and protest peacefully.
Key points
- At least six people have died in protests following Maduro’s disputed re-election.
- The opposition claims to have evidence showing their candidate won with over 70% of the vote.
- The OAS has called the election ‘aberrant manipulation’ and demanded a new vote.
- 749 people have been arrested, many facing charges of terrorism.
Contradictions👾The government claims Maduro won with 51.
2% of the vote, while the opposition asserts their candidate received over 70%.
👾The military expresses ‘absolute loyalty’ to Maduro, but the opposition urges them not to suppress the people.
