Venezuelan Opposition Unites Against Disputed Election Result

Thousands rallied in Venezuela's capital, protesting the disputed election result, supporting opposition candidate Edmundo González. Despite Nicolás Maduro's victory claim, no official tallies were released. Opposition leader María Corina Machado and her candidate González allege election fraud, prompting international calls for transparency. Violence ensues as Maduro's regime cracks down on dissent.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Venezuela's capital on Saturday, waving the national flag and singing in support of opposition candidate Edmundo González, whom they believe won the presidential election by a landslide.

Authorities have declared President Nicolás Maduro as the winner of last Sunday's election but have not produced voting tallies to substantiate the claim. Instead, the government has arrested hundreds of opposition supporters who protested the disputed result, and the president has threatened to imprison opposition leader María Corina Machado and González.

On Saturday, supporters chanted as Machado arrived at the rally in Caracas. Machado, barred from running for office for 15 years under Maduro's government, had been in hiding, fearing for her safety. Masked assailants vandalized opposition headquarters, taking documents and causing damage.

Holding a Venezuelan flag, Machado declared that the regime forcing millions to flee was ending. "We have overcome all barriers," she stated.

Venezuelans like Carmen Elena García joined the rally despite fears of government reprisal. "They must respect our votes," García said.

During a news conference on Friday, Maduro alleged opposition plans to attack and ordered armed forces to guard a neighborhood close to the rally site. He also urged his supporters to march elsewhere in Caracas.

The Organization of American States called for "reconciliation and justice" in Venezuela.

Machado and González argue that tallies indicate a significant win for González. The Associated Press analysis supports these claims, revealing González gained more votes than publicly stated by the government.

Late Friday, the Supreme Justice Tribunal ordered the National Electoral Council to release precinct vote count sheets within three days.

The Biden administration has supported the opposition, recognizing González as the victor.

Venezuela, with the world's largest oil reserves, faces severe economic challenges under Maduro, contributing to a mass exodus of citizens. International diplomatic efforts are ongoing to ensure fair vote auditing.

(With inputs from agencies.)