Venezuelan opposition protests as election dispute drags on

Venezuela's political opposition and its supporters gathered in cities around the country on Saturday to demand recognition of what they say is their candidate's resounding victory in a presidential vote nearly three weeks ago.The country's electoral authority, considered by the opposition to be an arm of the ruling party, has said President Nicolas Maduro won his third term in the 28 July contest with just under 52% of the vote.But the opposition, led by former lawmaker Maria Corina Machado, has published online what it says are 83% of voting machine tallies, which give its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez a hearty 67% support.The disputed vote has thrown the economically beleaguered nation into political crisis, and a government crackdown on protests has led to at least 2 400 arrests. Clashes connected to the protests have also led to at least 23 deaths.The international community has offered a raft of suggestions for overcoming the nearly three-week-old election crisis – including a new vote – but most have been rejected outright by both the ruling party and opposition.In the capital, Caracas, thousands gathered in the eastern part of the city along its main thoroughfare.Standing on a truck in the centre of the crowd, Machado called for independent, international verification of the election and for her supporters to stay in the streets."There is nothing above the voice of the people, and the people have spoken," she said.Across the countryIn cities across the country, Venezuelans were in the streets. "We have already been through the worst, we don't have any more fear," Noraima Rodriguez, 52, told Reuters. "My daughter died because there were no medical supplies in the university hospital. I have nothing to lose, but I want a future for my grandchildren."From Bogota to Madrid, the Venezuelan diaspora turned out in droves. In downtown Mexico City, nearly 1 000 people gathered at the central Plaza de la Revolucion.CollapseMaduro has presided over economic collapse, with a loss of over 73% of Venezuela's gross domestic product since 2013, according to researchers from the Institute of Superior Administration Studies in Caracas.At Miraflores Palace after a march in support of the government, Maduro promised 8% growth this year and railed against international critics and the opposition.The opposition is still pushing for recognition of its victory, but its options are narrowing as international attention moves elsewhere, opposition sources and analysts told Reuters this week.Many Western countries have urged full publication of the results, while Russia, China and others have congratulated Maduro on his victory.

Venezuelan opposition protests as election dispute drags on

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Namibian Sun 2026-07-08

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Venezuelan opposition protests as election dispute drags on

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Namibian Sun 2026-07-08

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