Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 10:11 am
Caracas, Venezuela — Violent protests broke out after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro controversially won re-election, leaving at least one dead and 46 arrested. The unrest erupts after the Venezuelan Electoral Council, or CNE, names Maduro victor of a third term that wide sectors of the opposition and international observers have questioned. Details of the Protests and Violence
Security forces launched tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters in several neighborhoods across Caracas, demonstrating against the results. “Freedom, freedom!” and “This government is going to fall!”
In the midst of these chaotic scenes, one person was reportedly killed in the northwest Yaracuy state. In fact, even in traditionally supportive areas of Caracas, protests were reported and some residents could hear shots being fired.
Results of Election and Controversy
In turn, Maduro branded this international criticism, an “attempted coup d’etat” in support of “fascist and counter-revolutionary” forces. The CNE had just certified him for another six-year term. Opposing the results as fraudulent was opposition leader María Corina Machado, who declared a “mathematically irreversible” lead for her replacement candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia. She criticized the results issued by the CNE and the electoral process marred by accusations of fraud and intimidation.
The CNE gave Maduro 51.2% against 44.2% for González Urrutia, but this has been received with skepticism both internally and internationally.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Tensions
The result has led the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and several Latin American countries to call for a deep audit of the election result. The Organisation of American States has also summoned a special session to deal with the situation.
In retaliation to these criticisms from around the world, Venezuela has pulled out diplomatic staff from various countries like Argentina, Chile, and Panama, and suspended flights originating or going to Panama and the Dominican Republic.
Economic and Political Context
The Maduro regime has been characterized by dramatic economic shrinkage and political repression. What was once a rich oil nation in the last decade saw its GDP reduced by 80%, which has driven millions to emigrate. No less critical is the extreme shortage of food and drugs, productive services that deepen the economic crisis.
The recent election was held under an agreement between the government and opposition, which saw U.S. sanctions briefly eased. However, after Maduro failed to meet the conditions, the sanctions were reinstated.
