The opposition in Venezuela has called for global demonstrations on August 17 in support of their claimed victory in July’s presidential ballot against President Nicolas Maduro. Despite exit polls favoring the joint opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, Maduro was declared the winner by the National Electoral Council (CNE).
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado urged people to join the protest for truth, emphasizing the need to respect the will of the people expressed in the elections. Machado, replaced by Gonzalez Urrutia due to a ban on contesting, and both leaders have gone into hiding as Maduro threatens to lock them up.
The election results show Maduro winning with 52% without a detailed tally, while the opposition claims to have evidence of their victory. Venezuela’s Supreme Court, perceived as loyal to Maduro, has declared their ruling on the election to be final. Amidst the dispute, tensions continue to rise in Venezuela.
AFP contributed to this report. Edited by: John Silk