Venezuelans Rally Against Election Fraud Amidst Political Turmoil

Thousands of Venezuelans protested following the contested election declaring Nicolas Maduro the winner. Security forces have detained around 2,000 people amidst the unrest. The opposition, led by Maria Corina Machado, disputes the result, claiming fraud. Some nations recognize Edmundo Gonzalez as the rightful winner, while others back Maduro.

Thousands of Venezuelans mobilized across the nation on Saturday to challenge the contentious election results, as President Nicolas Maduro revealed that approximately 2,000 individuals had been apprehended during protests contesting the outcome.

Venezuela's electoral commission, criticized for allegedly favoring the ruling socialists, announced Maduro's victory in the vote held last Sunday, citing a 51% to 46% margin over opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez. This announcement triggered widespread fraud accusations and subsequent demonstrations, which Maduro's administration labeled as an attempted U.S.-backed coup.

Maduro, speaking at a rally in Caracas, declared that those involved in the protests would face "maximum punishment" and proclaimed, "This time there will be no forgiveness." Meanwhile, opposition supporters, galvanized by leader Maria Corina Machado, took to the streets demanding justice. The Organization of American States has called for peace and questioned the reliability of the election results, with some countries like the U.S. and Argentina recognizing Gonzalez as the winner.

(With inputs from agencies.)