Venezuela erupts in chaos: Maduro accused of election fraud as opposition leaders flee

Protests have swept across Venezuela following the contentious presidential election on Sunday, with demonstrators demanding that President Nicolás Maduro concede defeat. The unrest erupted after the country’s electoral authority declared Maduro the victor with 51% of the vote, extending his socialist regime for a third term. The opposition, led by Edmundo González and María Corina Machado, disputes the results, alleging electoral fraud and claiming their candidate had more than twice as many votes based on 90% of the vote tally available.

International Observers Denounce Election

The U.S.-based Carter Center, which monitored the election, has condemned the process as undemocratic. In a statement released late Tuesday, the Carter Center described the election as failing to meet international standards of electoral integrity, highlighting significant flaws, including the electoral authority’s failure to release disaggregated results. The Center’s assessment underscores widespread concerns about the legitimacy of the vote.

Calls for Transparency and Potential Sanctions

Many international observers and countries have demanded that Venezuela release the full vote tally. U.S. sources indicate that Washington may impose additional sanctions on Venezuelan officials linked to the election if transparency is not improved. The U.S. and other nations have criticised the election process and the perceived lack of fairness.

Maduro Blames Opposition for Violence

In response to the protests, President Maduro and his allies have accused González and Machado of inciting violence. Maduro, in a televised speech, accused opposition protesters of attacking civilians and setting fires, calling for González and Machado to be held accountable. Jorge Rodríguez, head of the Congress for Maduro’s ruling socialist party, has called for the arrest of both opposition figures, accusing them of leading a “fascist conspiracy.”

Asylum Offers and International Responses

Costa Rica has offered political asylum to Machado and González. Machado, via X (formerly Twitter), expressed gratitude for the offer but emphasised her commitment to continuing the fight from within Venezuela. Meanwhile, Maduro has sought support from China and Russia, alleging attacks on electoral systems and blaming billionaire Elon Musk without presenting concrete evidence.

Economic Collapse and Migration Crisis

Maduro’s presidency, marked by economic decline and a mass exodus of Venezuelans, faces further scrutiny. His leadership has been characterised by severe economic instability, exacerbated by U.S. and EU sanctions that have crippled Venezuela’s oil industry. The recent election outcome could lead to increased migration from Venezuela, which has already seen a third of its population leave in recent years.

Opposition’s Diminished Options

Despite the protests and international criticism, the opposition’s options appear limited. The military’s unwavering support for Maduro and previous failed protests and sanctions hinder efforts to challenge his regime effectively. Protests continued across several cities, with some instances of clashes between demonstrators and security forces. In Valencia, a protester spray-painted “fraud” on the road, while in Coro, demonstrators celebrated by tearing down a statue of Hugo Chávez, Maduro’s predecessor.

Arrests and Repression

In the midst of ongoing unrest, Venezuelan security forces have arrested opposition leaders Freddy Superlano and Ricardo Estevez. Many Venezuelans are considering emigration as their situation becomes increasingly dire, with widespread sentiments of hopelessness and frustration.