Violent clashes between police and protesters have erupted in the center of Caracas, Venezuela, as opposition protests continue against the proclamation of Nicolas Maduro’s victory in the presidential elections on Sunday. The first images of the clashes – broadcasted by a team from the Argentine news channel ‘Todo Noticias’ – show Caracas police officers in riot gear firing tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protest.
The international community is not staying silent. The proclamation of Nicolas Maduro’s victory for a third presidential term in Venezuela against opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia – 51.2% to 44.02% with 80% of the votes counted – raises suspicions of fraud and prompts a call for transparency. Meanwhile, protests have erupted in Caracas.
The election result, shrouded in secrecy with delayed counts and wild accusations of foreign powers and right-wing political mercenaries by the Caracas government, only convinces allies of Bolivarian socialism: Nicaragua, Cuba, Iran, Russia, China, and Honduras, who have rushed to congratulate the president (in office since 2013) on his new mandate until 2030.
In his first press conference, Maduro accused those attempting a coup against him of wanting to “machine gun him in the square,” but claims they have been apprehended.
In the face of protests from anti-Chavista leader Maria Corina Machado – under investigation for electoral fraud – and former ambassador Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, representing the Democratic United Platform, who claim to have won “70% according to their own polls,” a strong call for an independent recount has come from the Western world.
Washington was among the first to express “doubts” about the election result, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken issuing a statement as Maduro celebrated his re-election, thanking his mentor, the eternal commander Hugo Chavez.
As the situation in Caracas escalates, chavista motorized militias have been unleashed in the streets to sow fear among opposition supporters and prompt international condemnation. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed doubts about the vote’s regularity, while the EU’s High Representative, Josep Borrell, called for “full transparency,” echoed by the United Nations.
Progressive Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Peru’s Dina Boluarte have made statements, with the Peruvian government recalling its ambassador to Caracas for consultations “in light of the serious official announcement from the Venezuelan electoral authorities.”
Several governments in the region have called for a vote recount in the presence of independent election observers, urging an urgent meeting of the OAS Permanent Council to safeguard the popular will. Brazil and Mexico have taken a more cautious approach, awaiting the conclusions of international observers.
As Caracas remains tense, Maduro officially crowned himself and claims to be “persecuted” by the public TV screens, while Maria Corina Machado vows: “I will fight for the truth to prevail.”
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