Venezuela Erupts in Protest Amid Contentious Maduro Election Win

Supporters and opponents of President Nicolas Maduro are set to rally amid widespread protests following a disputed election. With claims of voter fraud and international divides on the election's legitimacy, tensions have escalated in Venezuela, leading to violent confrontations and deaths. Opposition leaders are calling for continued demonstrations.

Supporters and opponents of President Nicolas Maduro are preparing to rally on Tuesday, as Venezuela is engulfed by protests following a contentious election over the weekend that awarded the presidency to the long-ruling socialist leader. Despite opposition claims of a landslide victory, the election board announced Maduro's win on Monday, leading to intensified clashes and protests across the country.

The international community remains divided. The United States has condemned Maduro's reelection as lacking credibility and is considering further sanctions, while allies like China and Russia have sent congratulatory messages. The opposition, accusing the government of voter fraud, claims their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, received more than twice as many votes as Maduro. Protests erupted in cities like Caracas and Maracay, with demonstrators blocking roads, lighting fires, and clashing with police.

Amid the chaos, Maduro promised that security forces would maintain order, while his government denounced the protesters as violent agitators. With Venezuela's recent history of violent protests and economic collapse under Maduro, the nation stands on the brink of further instability. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has called for more marches, insisting on the necessity to protect every vote and truth, as fears of another violent outbreak loom.

(With inputs from agencies.)