Protests are breaking out in Venezuela right now after President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner of the Presidential elections, which took place on Sunday, July 28th. The opposition claims that Maduro’s government interfered with the results.
Security forces fired tear gas at protesters in the capital of Caracas and several other cities as protests broke out over what Venezuelans are calling a rigged election. This is not the first time the country has faced doubts over the election process, but it is the first time its opposition has had proof of what they’re claiming – and the first time they have strong international backing for their claims.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado said on Monday that the opposition has 73.2% of the voting tallies from Sunday’s election, allowing them to prove election results that give them an irreversible victory.
Voting irregularities were reported all over Venezuela, and international observers were blocked from following counts. Independent polls showed former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez leading Maduro ahead of the vote on Sunday by a margin of 65% to 31%.
At least two people have been killed so far in the protests, with the demonstrations gathering strength near the Presidential palace in Caracas as more information has been released. Multiple statues of Hugo Chávez have been toppled as people protest the regime.
Maduro, however, said on state television that paid agitators were behind the protests and called on the military to uphold the election results. “We know how to confront this situation and how to defeat those who are violent.”
The international community has unequivocally condemned Venezuela, with multiple countries and the OAS (Organization of American States) asking for either new elections or a recount. Meanwhile, protests continue and President Nicolás Maduro has expelled diplomats from any country that question his win.