Venezuela in Turmoil: Protesters Denounce Election Results

Venezuelan protesters took to the streets after the election board declared President Nicolas Maduro the winner with 51% of the votes, despite opposition claims of fraud. The U.S. considers new sanctions, while China and Russia support Maduro. Protests have resulted in multiple deaths and arrests.

In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Venezuela, protesters flooded the streets on Tuesday, demanding President Nicolas Maduro concede defeat in Sunday's election. Opposition claims a landslide victory for their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, despite the election board declaring Maduro's win.

The renewed unrest drew divided international reactions. The United States considered imposing fresh sanctions, while China and Russia congratulated Maduro. Amid mounting chaos, protests have turned violent, leading to several deaths and numerous arrests.

Prominent opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, barred from running but leading Gonzalez's campaign, called for peaceful protests. However, government officials denounced the demonstrators as 'fascists' and accused them of plotting a coup.

(With inputs from agencies.)