Caracas – Venezuela descended into chaos on Tuesday as widespread protests erupted following President Nicolas Maduro’s controversial re-election. Opposition supporters took to the streets, accusing the government of electoral fraud, while Maduro supporters rallied in defense of their leader.
The opposition, claiming a landslide victory for its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, rejected the official results that gave Maduro another six-year term. The dispute has ignited a fresh wave of unrest in the crisis-wracked South American nation.
Violent clashes between protesters and security forces were reported in multiple cities, including the capital, Caracas. Demonstrators blocked roads, burned tires, and hurled projectiles at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. At least two people were killed amid the turmoil.
International condemnation of the election results poured in, with the United States leading calls for new elections. The European Union, Canada, and several Latin American nations joined in criticizing the vote, while Russia and China backed Maduro.
The economic crisis, marked by hyperinflation and widespread shortages, has fueled public anger and contributed to a mass exodus of Venezuelans. Maduro’s opponents blame his socialist policies for the country’s collapse.
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