Caracas: In a surge of intense protests against President Nicolás Maduro’s contested reelection, dozens of videos have gone viral on social media, showing Venezuelan security forces deploying tear gas and rubber bullets against demonstrators. The protests erupted in various neighborhoods of the capital, Caracas, with thousands chanting “Freedom, freedom!” and tearing down Maduro campaign posters.
A Nation in Turmoil: Maduro’s Reelection Sparks Outrage and Calls for Change
President Nicolás Maduro, 61, attended a meeting where the National Electoral Council (CNE) certified his reelection for a third six-year term until 2031. Despite widespread accusations of fraud and international condemnation, Maduro dismissed the criticism, labeling it as part of a “fascist and counter-revolutionary” coup attempt against his government.
Opposition Claims Victory: Maria Corina Machado Asserts Lead for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado declared that voting records clearly showed an “irreversible” lead for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who replaced her on the ballot after being barred by pro-Maduro courts. According to Machado, Gonzalez Urrutia secured 6.27 million votes compared to Maduro’s 2.75 million. This stark contrast to the CNE’s announcement of Maduro winning with 51.2% of the vote has led to widespread allegations of electoral fraud.
Global Reactions: Calls for Transparency Amid International Concern
The contentious election results have drawn calls for a transparent review from international entities, including the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and several Latin American countries. The US-based Carter Center urged the CNE to publish detailed polling station-level results. At the same time, several countries, including Peru and Panama, took diplomatic actions against Venezuela in response to the crisis.
Venezuela’s Deepening Crisis: Economic Collapse and Authoritarianism Under Maduro
Maduro has been in power since 2013, presiding over a decade marked by economic collapse and rising authoritarianism. Once wealthy and oil-rich, the nation has seen its GDP plummet by 80%, forcing over seven million of its 30 million citizens to emigrate. Amidst accusations of political intimidation and threats of a “bloodbath” if he lost, Maduro’s reelection has intensified the country’s turmoil.
Protests and Promises: Opposition Vows to Continue the Fight for Freedom
Gonzalez Urrutia, a 74-year-old former diplomat, acknowledged the deep discontent with the election results and vowed to fight for Venezuela’s liberty. Machado urged Venezuelans to participate in nationwide “popular assemblies” to support a peaceful transition of power. At the same time, international leaders continue to question the legitimacy of Maduro’s victory and call for a comprehensive review of the election process.
