Venezuela's Electoral Turmoil Sparks Protests and Escalating Tensions

Venezuela is in the midst of significant unrest following a contested presidential election. President Nicolas Maduro has been declared the winner, but the opposition claims their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, secured the majority. Protests have resulted in fatalities and heightened tensions, with calls for transparency and full vote tallies intensifying.

Shops and public transport across Venezuela shut down on Wednesday amid heightened tensions stemming from a contentious presidential election. Opposition claims that candidate Edmundo Gonzalez won the majority have clashed with official results declaring President Nicolas Maduro the victor.

The government, citing a system hack, has yet to release detailed vote tallies, leading to allegations of electoral fraud. International bodies like the Carter Center have criticized the election process as undemocratic and flawed.

Protests have erupted nationwide, resulting in at least 20 fatalities. The opposition and international observers are demanding full transparency as violence and government crackdowns continue to escalate.

(With inputs from agencies.)