Venezuela: Hundreds protest against Maduro's election win - Video
Venezuela's capital city, Caracas witnessed widespread protests on Monday, July 29 as the city reacted to allegations that the government had rigged the election in favour of President Nicolás Maduro.
The unrest follows growing scepticism from both the opposition and international observers regarding the legitimacy of Maduro’s reelection.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) announced that Maduro won a third six-year term, extending his presidency from 2025 to 2031.
Protesters flooded the streets, chanting slogans such as "Freedom, freedom!" and "This government is going to fall!" Some demonstrators were seen tearing down and burning Maduro’s campaign posters.
Maduro, who attended a certification meeting for his reelection, dismissed international criticism and claims of electoral fraud. He accused Venezuela’s critics of attempting a "coup d'état" and labelled the opposition’s actions as "fascist and counter-revolutionary."
The election results have raised concerns from the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and several Latin American countries. The Carter Center has urged the CNE to release detailed polling station results. Nine Latin American countries have called for a full review of the results with independent observers.
Brazil and Colombia also pushed for a review, and Chile’s president described the outcome as "hard to believe." Peru has recalled its ambassador, and Panama announced it would suspend relations with Venezuela. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres have all called for greater transparency.
Despite the controversy, Maduro received congratulations from several allies, including China, Russia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, Bolivia, and Mexico, which has indicated it will recognise the results.
