- Venezuelans clash with police after disputed election result
- Thousands of people, including many from surrounding slums, marched towards the presidential palace on Monday
- The opposition, led by candidate Edmundo González, claims the election was rigged
- Pre-election opinion polls had also indicated a strong lead for González
- In response to the protests, a heavy military and police presence was deployed across the capital
Venezuelans clash with police after disputed election result
Venezuelan security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters in Caracas following the controversial election result on Sunday. Thousands of people, including many from surrounding slums, marched towards the presidential palace on Monday evening to protest President Nicolás Maduro’s declared victory.
The opposition, led by candidate Edmundo González, claims the election was rigged, saying that González actually won with 73.2% of the vote. Pre-election opinion polls had also indicated a strong lead for González, as opposition parties united in an effort to unseat Maduro, who has been in power for 11 years amid a severe economic crisis.
In response to the protests, a heavy military and police presence was deployed across the capital, aiming to keep demonstrators away from the presidential palace. The streets of Caracas saw scenes of chaos, with burning tires, debris, and posters of Maduro being torn down and set ablaze. Armed police, military personnel, and pro-government paramilitaries clashed with protesters and blocked off many roads.
Additionally, the Venezuelan government announced a temporary suspension of commercial flights to and from Panama and the Dominican Republic, effective from 20:00 local time on Wednesday.
🚨🇻🇪JUST IN: Thousands of Venezuelans take to the streets to protest in #Caracas and other cities against electoral fraud by Maduro's tyrannical regime.
— Anonymous TV 🇺🇦 (@YourAnonTV) July 29, 2024
✊️🇻🇪Nothing can undo your revolt for democracy, prosperity, and a bright future for #Venezuela#OpVenezuela #FreeVenezuela… pic.twitter.com/e2sK1rnWx2