Opposition leaders under investigation for challenging election results
A criminal investigation has been launched in Venezuela against opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and leader Maria Corina Machado for disputing President Nicolas Maduro’s election victory. They are accused of instigating disobedience and inciting the army and police.
The National Electoral Council has faced pressure to release detailed voting records backing Maduro’s win but has only presented them to the Supreme Court. The opposition claims Gonzalez Urrutia was the rightful winner, sparking protests that led to civilian deaths.
Many countries, including the US and Argentina, have recognized Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner, while the EU has called for full publication of the records. In response, the opposition has urged security forces to stop repressing protests and align with the will of the people.
Call for dialogue
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called for dialogue between the government and opposition to resolve the election dispute, emphasizing the importance of peace and understanding in the process.