Caracas descended into chaos as violent clashes erupted between protesters and security forces in response to the contentious presidential election results declared on Sunday. President Nicolás Maduro’s announcement of victory has ignited widespread allegations of electoral fraud, propelling thousands into the streets.
Massive Protests and Police Response
Thousands of demonstrators, some traveling miles from the surrounding slums, converged on central Caracas on Monday evening. The opposition has vehemently disputed Maduro’s victory, asserting that their candidate, Edmundo González, was the true winner, based on a review of 73.2% of the voting tallies.
The Venezuelan capital witnessed scenes of intense unrest as security forces deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Protesters, chanting “freedom, freedom!” demanded the government’s resignation, setting tires, cars, and rubbish ablaze. Posters of President Maduro were also torn down and burned.
Heavy Security Presence and Flight Suspensions
A substantial military and police presence aimed to prevent protesters from reaching the presidential palace. Armed police, military personnel, and left-wing paramilitaries sympathetic to the government blocked many central roads, adding to the city’s turmoil.
In a move to further control the situation, the Venezuelan government announced a temporary suspension of commercial flights to and from Panama and the Dominican Republic starting Wednesday evening.
Voices from the Streets
Among the protesters were Paola Sarzalejo, 41, and her father Miguel, 64, who expressed their frustration over the election. “The vote was a terrible fraud. We won with 70%, but they took the elections from us again,” Paola stated. Her father added, “He lost the elections. He has no right to be there. We want a better future for our youth, for our country.”
Cristobal Martinez, draped in a Venezuelan flag, echoed these sentiments, condemning the election as fraudulent. He highlighted the dire need for change, noting the severe unemployment and lack of educational opportunities for young people. “It was the first time I voted. There was a lot of discontent towards the government. We want decent jobs and a good future for our country,” he said.
Government’s Stand and International Reaction
In a televised address, President Maduro accused the opposition of attempting a coup. “They are trying to impose a coup d’etat of a fascist and counter-revolutionary character,” he stated. The Venezuelan attorney general warned of severe legal repercussions for those blocking roads or engaging in violent protests, with 32 individuals already detained for alleged electoral material destruction and inciting violence.
International reactions have been swift, with several Western and Latin American countries, alongside organizations like the UN, calling for the release of detailed voting records. Argentina has refused to recognize Maduro’s victory, prompting Venezuela to recall its diplomats from Buenos Aires. Similar actions were taken against diplomats from Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay.
The United States expressed concerns over the election results, calling for the release of underlying data to verify the announced numbers. The Organization of American States (OAS) has scheduled a meeting to discuss the Venezuelan election results, highlighting the international community’s growing unease.
