KATHMANDU: Thousands of Venezuelans protested the disputed election results on Saturday, with demonstrations spreading across the country. President Nicolás Maduro claims that over 2,000 individuals have been detained as a result of the protests. The electoral body declared Maduro the winner with 51% of the vote, compared to 46% for the opposition candidate Edmundo González, which critics believe is skewed in favor of the ruling socialists. There has been a lot of upheaval as a result of the findings' overwhelming criticism for being false.
At a rally in Caracas, Maduro addressed his supporters and threatened harsh punishment for protestors, promising "maximum punishment" for anybody found guilty. Meanwhile, in Caracas, rallies led by Alfredo Valera of the Fontur union, one of his backers, were staged under the banner of defending democracy.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who had been in hiding, emerged to join protests in Caracas, Valencia, Maracaibo, and San Cristóbal. Machado's presence energized the opposition, which continues to demand justice. Despite fears and threats, demonstrators expressed determination, inspired by Machado’s bravery.
The protests have resulted in at least 20 deaths and 1,200 arrests. Many families are requesting information about relatives who are in detention. The Organization of American States (OAS) condemned the election results as illegitimate and urged peace. Russia, China, and Cuba congratulated Maduro, but the United States, Argentina, and other countries recognized González the winner.
