Venezuela on Edge: Fresh Protests Erupt Following Disputed Election

Venezuela braces for further unrest as fresh demonstrations are expected on Tuesday. This follows violent clashes between security forces and protesters on Monday, resulting in the death of one individual and the arrest of 46 others.

The disputed election has granted President Nicolas Maduro a third term, a result that has been met with skepticism and condemnation both domestically and internationally. On Monday, security forces employed tear gas and rubber bullets against demonstrators who took to the streets, chanting slogans such as “Freedom, freedom!” and “This government is going to fall!” The protesters also destroyed campaign posters and statues of the late Hugo Chavez, Maduro’s predecessor and mentor.

Alfredo Romero, head of the Foro Penal rights group, reported the fatality and arrests on the social media platform X but did not specify the cause of death. The National Electoral Council (CNE) has certified Maduro’s reelection, securing him another six-year term until 2031.

Maduro dismissed international criticism, describing the opposition’s challenge as an attempted “coup d’etat” of a “fascist and counter-revolutionary” nature. In contrast, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented evidence suggesting that the true winner of the election was Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who had replaced her on the ballot following her disqualification by pro-Maduro courts. According to Machado, Gonzalez Urrutia garnered 6.27 million votes compared to Maduro’s 2.75 million.

Machado has called for nationwide “popular assemblies” to support a peaceful transition of power, urging Venezuelans to show that their votes matter. Meanwhile, Maduro’s campaign manager, Jorge Rodriguez, has called for large celebratory marches starting Tuesday.

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The violent crackdown on protesters in Caracas saw members of the national guard firing tear gas and rubber bullets, while some protesters responded with rocks. Demonstrations were reported even in traditionally pro-Maduro areas, indicating widespread discontent. Shots were heard in several neighborhoods, highlighting the tense atmosphere.

Internationally, the election has sparked a divided response. While the United Nations, United States, European Union, and several Latin American countries have called for a transparent review of the election process, allies like China, Russia, and Cuba have congratulated Maduro. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned the opposition to accept defeat and cautioned against external interference.

Nine Latin American countries have called for a comprehensive review of the results with independent electoral observers. The US-based Carter Center has also urged the CNE to publish detailed polling station-level results immediately. Countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Chile have expressed doubts about the election outcome, with Peru recalling its ambassador and Panama suspending relations with Venezuela.

In response, Venezuela announced it would withdraw its diplomatic staff from several countries, including Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. Flights to and from Panama and the Dominican Republic have also been suspended.

Maduro has faced accusations of rising authoritarianism, economic mismanagement, and human rights abuses during his tenure. Venezuela’s economy, once buoyed by vast oil reserves, has suffered a severe decline, leading to widespread poverty and mass emigration. The contentious election, marred by allegations of fraud and political intimidation, has further polarized the nation.

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As Venezuela teeters on the brink, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the country can navigate through this crisis peacefully or if it will descend into further chaos and violence. The opposition’s call for peaceful demonstrations and the government’s promise of celebratory marches set the stage for a tense and potentially volatile standoff.