Tensions Rise as Venezuelans Protest President Maduro’s Disputed Election Win

Opposition supporters have gathered across Venezuela to protest against Nicolas Maduro’s disputed victory in last month’s presidential election.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado joined thousands of protesters in the capital, Caracas, and urged them not to be afraid.

Machado, who had been in hiding after being accused of insurrection, said there was nothing above the voice of the people, and that the people had spoken.

The Police and the army were deployed in force as supporters of Maduro also held a demonstration.

“We won’t leave the streets,” Machado told protesters, with many of them waving copies of election records from their voting stations as proof of victory.

She had called for nationwide protests to intensify pressure on Maduro to concede.

Some demonstrators seemed determined to carry on.

“This is a criminal government that wants to hold on to power. I smell freedom, I have nothing to fear,” said one of the protesters.

“I hope for Maduro to recognise his defeat and hand over the power peacefully. What I think will happen is that the dictatorship will get harder, we all need to unite against the dictatorship and show that good people are more.” said another protester Jose Berbin

Maduro has insisted he won a third six-year term, but the opposition released tallies it said showed its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, winning by a wide margin.

Speaking from an unidentified location, Mr Gonzalez said it was time for an “orderly transition”.

At his rival rally, Maduro mocked Mr Gonzalez, saying he was “living in a cave”.

The electoral commission, controlled by allies of Maduro, has refused to release detailed results, but declared he won with 52% of the vote. Independent observers said it lacked transparency.

Since the election, anti-government protests have flared up and hundreds of people have been arrested by the security forces, which remain loyal to President Maduro.

According to the Venezuelan government, more than 2,400 people have been detained since 29 July, the day the disputed election result was announced.

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