Venezuelan opposition supporters rallied nationwide on Saturday, demanding recognition of their candidate’s alleged victory in the July 28 presidential vote.
The country’s electoral authority declared President Nicolas Maduro the winner with nearly 52% of the vote. Opposition leader María Corina Machado, however, disputes this result, Reuters said.
According to Machado, unofficial tallies show her candidate, Edmundo González, with 67% support. The disputed election has sparked a severe political crisis and a government crackdown.
At least 2,400 arrests and 23 deaths have resulted from the ongoing protests. The international community has suggested solutions, including a new election, but these have been largely rejected.
In Caracas, over 5,000 protesters gathered by midday, with many supporting María Corina and González.
Earlier, less than a hundred protesters in Maracay were dispersed by tear gas. In Valencia, San Cristobal, and Barquisimeto, demonstrations continued with Venezuelan flags and protest signs.
The opposition’s push for victory recognition is dwindling as international focus shifts. Western nations have condemned the vote but offered limited actions, while Russia and China support Maduro.
Latin American leaders will address Venezuela’s crisis during a weekend summit in the Dominican Republic, according to Panama’s president.