Venezuela will have this Saturday (3) a day marked by protests against and in favor of Nicolás Maduro, after the Chavista declared himself reelected in a contested vote inside and outside the country.
Opposition leaders hold a rally against the president late this morning, in a demonstration that organizers say will be in favor of democracy. Shortly after, pro-Maduro groups take to the streets in Caracas.
The expectation is for the release of the electoral minutes, a type of ballot paper, which would show the result of the election.
Venezuela’s Electoral Council has declared President Nicolás Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner of the July 28 elections with 51% of the vote.
But the country’s opposition says its tally of around 90% of the vote shows its candidate Edmundo González received more than double the support of the incumbent president.
On Friday (2), the Venezuelan president warned of “inevitable consequences” if opponents present the minutes to the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ). He also criticized González for not presenting his voting results to the TSJ.
After a week of tension over the results of the country’s presidential election, political polarization has been expressed on the streets of several cities across the country, with reports of episodes of violence and deaths.
Human Rights Watch, an international non-governmental organization that defends and conducts research on human rights, said on Wednesday (31) that it has “legitimate reports” that there were 20 deaths, while the Penal Forum has a record up to August 1 of 11 deaths and 711 arrests.
So far, the Venezuelan Prosecutor’s Office has not responded to the CNN about the subject.
The government of Nicolás Maduro has called for “permanent mobilization” throughout the week. On Wednesday (31), Maduro said, at the Miraflores Palace, in front of his supporters: “On Saturday, I invite you to the mother of all marches to celebrate the victory of peace in Caracas.”
On Thursday (1st), opposition leader María Corina Machado called for a demonstration to defend the results of the July 28 elections. The call was made via video, after releasing the information that she decided to go into hiding out of fear for her life.
*With CNN Spanish
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
