The Venezuelan opposition organized demonstrations this Wednesday, August 28, in the streets of Caracas and other cities across the country. These protests were held under the slogan "Acta mata Sentencia" to reject the Supreme Court of Justice's (TSJ) ruling that validated the controversial re-election of Nicolás Maduro, announced by the National Electoral Council (CNE) a month ago.
The mobilization, led by the Democratic Unity Platform (PUD), aimed to challenge the court's decision. The PUD called on its followers to march with the voting records from their polling stations, asserting that their candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, was the true winner of the July 28 elections.
The opposition claims to have obtained 83.5% of the voting records, which are available on a specially created website. In Caracas, the gathering took place at 11:00 a.m. on Avenida Francisco de Miranda, where thousands of people congregated.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Chavista movement also took to the streets in support of Maduro, responding to a call from the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) to celebrate the "victory" in the elections. Diosdado Cabello, recently appointed Minister of Interior and Justice, led the pro-government march, which also aims to prepare the party for future political challenges.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has maintained a low profile since the elections, participated in the protests and stated that the opposition has a "robust strategy" to claim victory. However, according to Infobae, she did not provide specific details. Machado emphasized that coordination between internal and external forces will be crucial for achieving change in Venezuela.
The dispute over the electoral results has sparked protests, international complaints, and actions from the Venezuelan Prosecutor's Office, which is investigating the opposition and has detained several journalists. Meanwhile, the international community continues to call for the full publication of the electoral results, a step the CNE has yet to take.
The situation in Venezuela remains tense, with an opposition determined to fight for what it considers a legitimate electoral victory, and a government maintaining its grip on the country's key institutions.
Key Questions About the Venezuelan Opposition Protests
The ongoing protests in Venezuela have raised numerous questions about the political situation, the legitimacy of the electoral results, and the future of the country. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What is the significance of the slogan "Acta mata Sentencia"?
The slogan "Acta mata Sentencia" translates to "Record overrides Sentence" and signifies the opposition's belief that the actual voting records should take precedence over the Supreme Court's ruling validating Maduro's re-election.
Who is Edmundo González Urrutia?
Edmundo González Urrutia is the opposition candidate whom the PUD claims was the rightful winner of the July 28 elections, despite the official results declaring Nicolás Maduro as the victor.
What role does María Corina Machado play in the opposition?
María Corina Machado is a prominent opposition leader who has been actively participating in the protests. She emphasizes the need for a coordinated strategy between internal and external forces to achieve political change in Venezuela.
What is the international community's stance on the Venezuelan elections?
The international community has been calling for the complete publication of the electoral results. Many international entities have expressed concerns over the legitimacy of the elections and have urged for transparency from the CNE.