CARACAS, Venezuela: On Saturday, thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets in a nationwide protest against the disputed election results, as President Nicolás Maduro announced the arrest of approximately 2,000 individuals in connection with the unrest.
The Venezuelan electoral authority, which critics accuse of bias towards the ruling socialists, declared Maduro the winner of last Sunday’s vote, attributing him with 51% of the votes versus 46% for opposition candidate Edmundo González.
This result, which was reaffirmed on Friday, has ignited widespread allegations of electoral fraud and led to significant demonstrations across the country.
Maduro, addressing supporters at a rally in Caracas, labeled the protests as part of a U.S.-backed coup attempt. He vowed severe repercussions, promising “maximum punishment” for those involved in the protests. His supporters, rallying in defence of the electoral process and the government, argued that their actions were a necessary measure to protect democracy.
Meanwhile, opposition leader María Corina Machado made a notable return to the public eye, emerging from hiding to join the demonstrators in Caracas. Machado, who had previously expressed fears for her safety in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, joined the crowds to demand justice and transparency. “We have never been as strong as today,” Machado declared to her supporters, emphasizing the opposition’s resolve in the face of government repression.
The protests extended beyond Caracas to cities such as Valencia, Maracaibo, and San Cristóbal. Demonstrators, including vendors like María Luzardo, voiced their determination to stand against the government’s alleged injustices despite the intimidating presence of security forces. Advocacy groups have reported at least 20 fatalities in the post-election violence, with around 1,200 additional arrests.
The Organization of American States (OAS) has called for peace and condemned the election results as unreliable. The OAS urged that no more political prisoners or victims of violence emerge from the conflict. International responses have been divided: while the U.S., Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Uruguay have recognized González as the legitimate winner, Russia, China, and Cuba have extended congratulations to Maduro.
The situation in Venezuela remains highly volatile as both sides brace for further conflict. The international community continues to monitor the unfolding crisis, with calls for resolution and an end to the violence that has marred the country’s recent electoral process.
