Venezuelan Opposition Rallies Amid Claims of Election Fraud

Venezuela's opposition led by Maria Corina Machado insists their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won a recent presidential election. Despite claims of Gonzalez receiving 67% of the vote, the election authority declared President Maduro the winner, leading to protests, arrests, and international diplomatic efforts. Political tensions remain high.

Venezuela's political opposition and its supporters gathered in cities nationwide on Saturday, demanding recognition of their claimed candidate's victory in a presidential vote nearly three weeks ago. The country's electoral authority, deemed by opponents as an extension of the ruling party, has declared President Nicolas Maduro the winner with just under 52% of the vote.

Led by former lawmaker Maria Corina Machado, the opposition published online what they assert are 83% of voting machine tallies, showing their candidate Edmundo Gonzalez with a substantial 67% support. The contested election has plunged the economically troubled nation into a political crisis, prompting a government crackdown on protests and resulting in over 2,400 arrests and at least 23 deaths.

The international community has proposed various solutions to resolve the crisis, including a new vote, but most suggestions have been dismissed by both parties. Thousands gathered in Caracas, with Machado calling for international election verification and urging supporters to remain in the streets. Meanwhile, protests occurred across the country and among the Venezuelan diaspora abroad. Despite the challenges, the opposition is pushing for recognition of its purported victory as international focus shifts.

(With inputs from agencies.)