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Protests erupt in Venezuela after disputed election (VIDEOS) Venezuela’s Maduro warns of attempted ‘coup’ (VIDEOS)
(about 5 hours later)
Venezuelans have taken to the streets after the national electoral authority declared victory for President Maduro Protests have erupted after the national electoral authority declared victory for the incumbent
Unrest and street clashes broke out across Venezuela on Monday, after the electoral authority announced that Nicolas Maduro had been re-elected for another six-year term as president. President Nicolas Maduro warned on Monday of an attempt “to impose in Venezuela a coup d’etat,” following the opposition’s rejection of his re-election for a new six-year term.
The opposition says the vote was marred by fraud, insisting its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez won the ballot. Some opinion polls ahead of the election showed a clear majority for the challenger. Supporters of Western-backed runner up Edmundo Gonzalez have taken to the streets, claiming that vote was rigged. Protests have erupted across the country, with demonstrators toppling a statue of Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chavez, in the state of Falcon.
Large numbers of riot police and soldiers were deployed in Caracas to disperse protesters and prevent them from approaching the presidential palace. Over 20 Venezuelan security personnel were injured, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said. Maduro has alleged that the perpetrators belong to the far-right. “They are trying to impose in Venezuela a coup d’etat again of fascist and counterrevolutionary character,” Maduro said at an event at the National Electoral Council (CNE), which proclaimed him the winner of the elections
Crowds of people were seen chanting “freedom!” and calling for the government to fall. “Defeating fascism and its demons is a historic feat and our people have done it! Once again, our people have done it,” he added.
The CNE announced on Sunday that with 80% of ballots counted, Maduro had secured more than 51% of the vote, compared to 44% for his only rival Gonzales. All other oppositon canidates had withdrawn and backed the latter.
Footage showed posters of President Maduro ripped down, while tires, cars and trash were set alight.Footage showed posters of President Maduro ripped down, while tires, cars and trash were set alight.
Demonstrators reportedly tried to block highways, including one that connects the capital with Simon Bolivar International Airport.
In a televised address from Caracas on Monday, Maduro accused the opposition of attempting “to impose a coup d’etat in Venezuela”. Opposition leaders rejected Maduro’s allegations, and called for peaceful protests across the country. Maduro will be serve a third consecutive six-year term, having first taken office in 2013 following the death of President Hugo Chavez.
As Maduro spoke, demonstrators reportedly tried to block highways, including one that connects the capital with Simon Bolivar International Airport.
Maduro will be serving a third consecutive six-year term, having first taken office in 2013 following the death of President Hugo Chavez.
The National Electoral Council (CNE), announced on Sunday that with 80% of ballots counted, Maduro had secured more than 51% of the vote, compared to 44% for his main rival, Edmundo Gonzales.
Following the vote, Venezuela’s electoral authority, which the opposition views as favoring the ruling party, did not immediately release the tallies from each of the 30,000 polling stations nationwide, according to media reports.Following the vote, Venezuela’s electoral authority, which the opposition views as favoring the ruling party, did not immediately release the tallies from each of the 30,000 polling stations nationwide, according to media reports.
A number of countries, as well as international bodies including the UN, have called on the Venezuelan authorities to release voting records from individual polling stations. The US has expressed 'serious concern' with the election results, according to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Argentina has refused to recognize Maduro’s victory. In response Venezuela has recalled diplomats from Buenos Aires.
Argentina has refused to recognize Maduro’s victory. In response Venezuela has recalled diplomats from Buenos Aires. Diplomats from Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay have also been withdrawn.
Diplomats from six other Latin American countries – Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay – have also been withdrawn in response to the international outcry.
Nine Latin American countries have called for an emergency meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) permanent council due to concerns over the election results.Nine Latin American countries have called for an emergency meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) permanent council due to concerns over the election results.
Cuba, Honduras and Bolivia have welcomed the results of the election and pledged to work constructively with Maduro's next government.