Venezuelans took to the streets Monday bringing down four statues of former Bolivarian leader Hugo Chávez Frías and storming key places nationwide in an apparent drive to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro, who they claimed, had won Sunday's elections through fraud.
In response to the controversial presidential elections in Venezuela, which declared Nicolás Maduro the winner with 50.20% of the vote without transparency, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is negotiating a joint statement with Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. This statement would demand a transparent recount of the votes to ensure legitimacy and accuracy in the electoral process.
The regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expelled ambassadors from Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. This move follows widespread international condemnation of the recent presidential election results, which declared Maduro the victor amidst allegations of significant irregularities.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed serious doubts on Monday regarding the legitimacy of Venezuela's presidential election results, which declared incumbent President Nicolás Maduro the winner. Boric emphasized that his government would not recognize any outcome that could not be verified through transparent processes.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro greeted his followers from Caracas' Miraflores Palace to celebrate victory after the National Electoral Council (CNE) announced that he had defeated opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia. According to CNE Chairman Elvis Amoroso, Maduro collected 51.2% of the vote, against his rival's 44.2% with 80% of the vote counted.
Venezuelans are heading to the polls today in a highly anticipated presidential election that could end a quarter-century of Chavismo. The nation faces a crucial decision between maintaining the current government under President Nicolás Maduro or opting for change led by opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, supported by political leader Maria Corina Machado.
Leftwing governments in South America seem to have turned their backs on Venezuelan ruler Nicolás Maduro after he forecasted last week that his country would be heading for a bloodbath if he failed to win Sunday's presidential elections.
In the week prior to Venezuela's elections, Uruguayan Foreign Minister Omar Paganini insisted that it is time to defend democracy in that country so that the people can freely choose their government. He also called for the process to be held in peace and hoped that the votes would be counted with transparency. After that, he wished the outcome would be accepted by all those involved.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed alarm at Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's recent remarks suggesting potential violence if he loses the upcoming election. Speaking in an interview with international news agencies, Lula condemned Maduro’s statements, which included threats of a “bloodbath” and “civil war,” as dangerous and unacceptable.
Uruguay, Argentina, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Paraguay Friday signed a declaration expressing these countries' concern over the mounting “harassment and persecution” the Venezuelan regime of President Nicolás Maduro is exerting on opposition leaders ahead of the July 28 elections which most pollsters foresee he is bound to lose.