Maduro Blocks Social Media Platform X Following Contested Election

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has signed a resolution to block access to social media platform X for ten days. This follows frequent clashes with X owner Elon Musk and allegations of election fraud from the opposition. Protests erupted demanding Maduro step down and recognize Edmundo Gonzalez's victory.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro announced on Thursday that he has signed a resolution to block access to the social media platform X for ten days. X, formerly known as Twitter, has been a frequent target of Maduro’s ire, especially following the country's July 28 presidential election.

According to Maduro and Venezuela's electoral authority, the president secured a third term in the election. However, the opposition disputes this outcome, claiming they have the necessary vote counts to prove their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won. Neither Maduro nor the electoral body have released detailed vote tallies to support their claims.

In the aftermath of the election, waves of protests broke out both within Venezuela and abroad, calling for Maduro to step down and honor Gonzalez's victory. Much of the protest organization was facilitated through social media. In addition to the X blockade, Maduro has urged his supporters to leave messaging application WhatsApp for alternatives like Telegram or WeChat, citing misuse by opposition forces to threaten officials' families.