The Cuban visual artist Ian Padrón shared a brief video from one of the neighborhoods in Caracas, Venezuela, where popular protests are erupting in response to the electoral outcome that declared Nicolás Maduro as president for a third term. Padrón mentioned he was in the Petare parish, in central Caracas, one of the most densely populated areas in Latin America and a hotspot for the country's protests.
"Thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest the election results," Padrón said, noting that while it was a new experience for him to be present, he emphasized the importance of his broadcast.
Massive Protests Following Electoral Fraud Claims
Since the National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Nicolás Maduro the winner of the presidential elections held on Sunday, July 28, social mobilizations have erupted, alleging fraud in the results. Protesters have even toppled several statues of the Bolivarian leader Hugo Chávez, parading one of the heads through the streets attached to a motorcycle.
The opposition, led by María Corina Machado, has denounced the electoral fraud and violent repression by Maduro's regime. Machado stated that "violence is Maduro's last resort," highlighting the desperate nature of the government's actions. She called on the international community regarding the escalating violence, indicating that in the last 48 hours, "more than 177 detentions, 11 disappearances, and at least 16 deaths" have been reported.
Maduro himself claimed before dozens of Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) troops in a Caracas sector that they have "captured more than 1,200 criminals," according to the Efe agency. The controversial leader asserted that these individuals were "trained in Peru and Chile, as well as in Texas and Colombia," with the intent of coming to Venezuela to "commit acts of violence."
Maduro's menacing rhetoric has not ceased, even before the conclusion of the electoral campaigns. Regarding the events since Sunday, he threatened to unleash a civil war in Venezuela and blamed the United States for the country's crisis.
The legitimacy of the electoral results in Venezuela has been questioned globally. One of the renowned international observers, the Carter Center, stated that the elections did not meet international standards of electoral integrity, rendering them undemocratic.
Frequently Asked Questions on Venezuela's Electoral Crisis
Given the current turmoil in Venezuela, many people have questions about the situation. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the ongoing crisis.
Why are people protesting in Venezuela?
People are protesting in Venezuela due to allegations of electoral fraud in the recent presidential elections, which declared Nicolás Maduro the winner for a third term. The opposition and many citizens believe the results are illegitimate.
Who is leading the opposition in Venezuela?
The opposition is led by María Corina Machado, who has been vocal about the alleged electoral fraud and the violent repression by Maduro's regime.
What has been the international response to the elections in Venezuela?
International observers, including the Carter Center, have stated that the elections did not meet international standards of electoral integrity, leading to widespread condemnation of the results.
How has Nicolás Maduro responded to the protests?
Nicolás Maduro has responded to the protests with threats of unleashing a civil war and has blamed the United States for the crisis, while also claiming that over 1,200 individuals trained abroad were captured for planning violence in Venezuela.