Venezuelan Election Crisis: Opposition Claims Victory Amidst Turmoil

Thousands rallied in Venezuela's capital in support of opposition candidate Edmundo González, who claims victory over President Nicolás Maduro. Despite authorities declaring Maduro the winner, opposition leaders allege fraud and demand vote tallies. International pressure mounts, with calls for impartial vote auditing and potential US sanctions looming.

Thousands of supporters flocked to Venezuela's capital on Saturday, waving national flags and singing the anthem, rallying behind opposition candidate Edmundo González. Authorities have labeled President Nicolás Maduro the victor of last Sunday's election, yet have not released voting tallies to substantiate the claim.

The opposition alleges widespread fraud and has provided tally sheets indicating González won by a landslide. Amidst escalating tensions, hundreds of opposition supporters have been arrested, and key leaders, including María Corina Machado, face threats of imprisonment.

International scrutiny is intensifying, with calls for an independent audit of the votes. The US, asserting González's victory, threatens to revive sanctions unless Maduro consents to a transition. Meanwhile, regional allies and global organizations advocate for electoral transparency to restore Venezuela's democracy.

(With inputs from agencies.)