Venezuelan Military Pledges Loyalty Amid Election Dispute

Venezuela's Defense Minister reaffirmed the military's loyalty to President Maduro despite a contested election. Opposition figures urged the military to support them, claiming their candidate won. Maduro's victory and allegations of fraud have led to heightened tensions and an ongoing investigation into potential misconduct.

Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino reaffirmed on Tuesday the military's absolute loyalty to President Nicolas Maduro amid a contested presidential election. Padrino's statement came in response to opposition leaders Edmundo Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado urging the military to support the opposition in a letter published Monday.

Standing alongside top military and police officials, Padrino, an army general, emphasized their unwavering loyalty to Maduro during a state television broadcast. He denounced the opposition's calls as attempts to disrupt the nation's unity and institutional integrity.

The opposition asserts that Gonzalez won over 6 million votes in the July 28 election, compared to Maduro's 2.7 million, and has published ballots online. However, the government and electoral authority, which the opposition considers biased, have yet to release their versions. An official from the U.S. State Department attested to the authenticity of the opposition's tally. Maduro's win has triggered protests and accusations of fraud, and the country faces an ongoing investigation into the opposition's claims and the conduct of election officials.

(With inputs from agencies.)