Venezuela in Turmoil: A Recap of the Post-Election Chaos
Venezuela has been plunged into a state of political unrest following the disputed presidential election on July 28. President Nicolas Maduro has taken a hardline approach to quell protests, resulting in 24 deaths and over 2,200 arrests. The international community has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the election results and opposition parties have rejected them.
Maduro, however, remains defiant, defending his actions on national television and announcing the transfer of detainees to high-security prisons. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado claims her party’s candidate won and urges the military to respect the people’s will.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez has urged respect for the election results and condemned violence. Maduro has even gone as far as deleting WhatsApp from his phone, citing threats to security forces. The EU’s refusal to recognize the election results has further heightened tensions.
The Supreme Court has summoned all presidential candidates for alleged election fraud. Despite the chaos, the opposition vows to continue until their victory is acknowledged.