Venezuela's Election Turmoil: Calls for Cooperation Amid Controversy

Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico urge Venezuela's President Maduro to meet opposition candidate Gonzalez post-disputed election. Electoral authority declared Maduro winner but opposition claims Gonzalez actually secured more votes. International reactions split as nations recognize opposing winners. Tensions rise with protests, arrests, and claims of a coup attempt.

Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico have called on Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro to meet with opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez following last week's contentious election, a diplomatic source informed Reuters.

The trio insisted that the meeting should exclude opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, barred from office but heavily involved in Gonzalez's campaign. The move comes as more Western governments reject Maduro's claim to victory.

Labelled a period of tension and unrest, the election saw Venezuela's electoral authority declaring Maduro the winner with 51% of the vote. However, opposition tallies suggest Gonzalez garnered 67%, a result echoed by independent exit polls. The discord has ignited protests and led to multiple arrests, further straining Venezuela's political landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)