Maduro Extends Controversial Rule Amid Protests and Allegations of Electoral Fraud
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — President Nicolás Maduro’s controversial rule over Venezuela has been extended until 2031, following his swearing-in ceremony this Friday. This comes despite widespread protests and credible evidence suggesting that his opponent, Edmundo González, actually won the recent election.
On Thursday, massive demonstrations erupted in Caracas as opposition leader María Corina Machado joined the calls for González’s recognition as president. Reports emerged that Machado was briefly detained by security forces, who allegedly coerced her into making videos. She escaped with her security convoy, only to later confirm her detention amidst claims of a violent police intervention.
The situation drew international condemnation, particularly from leaders across the Americas and Europe, who voiced concerns about the suppression of dissent and demanded her release. US President-elect Donald Trump expressed solidarity with Machado and González, urging that they remain safe.
The lead-up to Maduro’s inauguration has been marred by allegations of electoral fraud, repression of opposition voices, and lack of transparency. Although Maduro’s supporters declared him the election winner mere hours after polls closed on July 28, no detailed vote counts were released. The opposition collected and published data indicating that González received double the votes of Maduro.
International scrutiny heightened when the US-based Carter Center endorsed the opposition’s figures as legitimate. Maduro’s regime has responded with severe crackdowns, arresting over 2,000 protesters and leading to the deaths of more than 20 individuals during the unrest.
In a climate of uncertainty, it remains unclear if any foreign leaders will attend Maduro’s inauguration, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro opting to skip the event amid rising tensions. The fate of González, who is currently in exile and has been threatened with arrest upon return, further complicates the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela.
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