It has been more than two weeks since Venezuela's elections and President Nicholas Maduro claimed victory but he hasn't been able to convince many. Inside the country, people are out in the streets protesting while the opposition is in hiding.

Venezuela elections: Two weeks on, election crisis continues

Disputed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said in a speech Thursday that he signed a decree ordering telecommunications regulators to block X for 10 days. Maduro accused Musk of having "violated all of the rules" of X, and "inciting hatred, fascism, civil war, death and confrontations among Venezuelans."

Venezuela's Maduro vs Musk rift reaches a new heights

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro escalated tensions with the social media platform X and its owner, Elon Musk, by imposing a 10-day ban on the platform in the country, following uproar over a contested presidential election.

Maduro on Thursday (Aug 8) said he signed a resolution presented by the regulator Conatel, which "has decided to take the social network X, formerly known as Twitter, out of circulation for 10 days," accusing Elon Musk of inciting hate, civil war, and death.

"X get out of Venezuela for 10 days!" he said in a speech which was broadcast on state television.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-warns-venezuelan-dissidents-of-tun-tun-operations-calls-against-use-of-whatsapp-747539" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-warns-venezuelan-dissidents-of-tun-tun-operations-calls-against-use-of-whatsapp-747539&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi2nf-pj-eHAxVoslYBHUcUG-sQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0FTmrC8N_u8kjIPuV4ibod&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-warns-venezuelan-dissidents-of-tun-tun-operations-calls-against-use-of-whatsapp-747539" target="_blank">Maduro warns&nbsp;Venezuelan&nbsp;dissidents of 'tun-tun operations</a>

Notably, Maduro and Musk have often traded barbs over X. Musk has compared&nbsp;the Venezuelan president to a donkey, while Maduro has blamed Musk for being a driving force behind protests and dissent following the election.

They have also offered and accepted challenges to fight each other in comments on X and via Venezuelan state television.

The temporary ban on X marks another strike against the Big Tech, following Maduro's call earlier this week for supporters to abandon Meta-owned WhatsApp in favor of Telegram or WeChat. He claimed that WhatsApp was being used to threaten the families of soldiers and police officers.

However, WhatsApp declined to comment and X too did not immediately respond to requests.

Venezuela's electoral authority announced Maduro the winner of the July 28 presidential election with about 51% of the vote, even though it has yet to produce the voting tallies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-nicolas-maduro-venezuelas-bus-driver-turned-president-who-won-yet-another-term-745234" target="_blank">Who is Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's bus driver-turned-president, who won yet another term?</a>

The declaration sparked widespread allegation of scam and protests which were promoted across social media. Local advocacy group the Venezuelan Observatory for Social Conflict reports at least 23 people have been killed in protests.

Demonstration from Venezuelans broke out across the country demanding Maduro step down and&nbsp;honour a win by opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez.

The opposition, led by Maria Corina Machado and Gonzalez, claims to have copies of the voting tallies showing that it won the election with more than 7 million votes, compared to Maduro's 3.3 million votes.&nbsp; 
This result aligns closely with predictions from independent exit polls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-elections-meet-maria-corina-machado-the-iron-lady-slaying-her-way-to-challenge-president-maduro-744101" target="_blank">Venezuela elections: Meet María Corina Machado, the 'Iron Lady' slaying her way to challenge President Maduro</a>

Countries including the US, Argentina and Chile have refused to recognise Maduro's claimed victory, and&nbsp;have urged&nbsp;transparency and the publication of the voting tallies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro escalated tensions with the social media platform X and its owner, Elon Musk, by imposing a 10-day ban on the platform in the country, following uproar over a contested presidential election.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro escalated tensions with the social media platform X and its owner, Elon Musk, by imposing a 10-day ban on the platform in the country, following uproar over a contested presidential election. Maduro on Thursday (Aug 8) said he signed a resolution presented by the regulator Conatel, which "has decided to take the social network X, formerly known as Twitter, out of circulation for 10 days," accusing Elon Musk of inciting hate, civil war, and death. "X get out of Venezuela for 10 days!" he said in a speech which was broadcast on state television. Also read: Maduro warns Venezuelan dissidents of 'tun-tun operations Notably, Maduro and Musk have often traded barbs over X. Musk has compared the Venezuelan president to a donkey, while Maduro has blamed Musk for being a driving force behind protests and dissent following the election. They have also offered and accepted challenges to fight each other in comments on X and via Venezuelan state television. The temporary ban on X marks another strike against the Big Tech, following Maduro's call earlier this week for supporters to abandon Meta-owned WhatsApp in favor of Telegram or WeChat. He claimed that WhatsApp was being used to threaten the families of soldiers and police officers. However, WhatsApp declined to comment and X too did not immediately respond to requests. Venezuela's electoral authority announced Maduro the winner of the July 28 presidential election with about 51% of the vote, even though it has yet to produce the voting tallies. Also read | Who is Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's bus driver-turned-president, who won yet another term? The declaration sparked widespread allegation of scam and protests which were promoted across social media. Local advocacy group the Venezuelan Observatory for Social Conflict reports at least 23 people have been killed in protests. Demonstration from Venezuelans broke out across the country demanding Maduro step down and honour a win by opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez. The opposition, led by Maria Corina Machado and Gonzalez, claims to have copies of the voting tallies showing that it won the election with more than 7 million votes, compared to Maduro's 3.3 million votes. This result aligns closely with predictions from independent exit polls. Also read | Venezuela elections: Meet María Corina Machado, the 'Iron Lady' slaying her way to challenge President Maduro Countries including the US, Argentina and Chile have refused to recognise Maduro's claimed victory, and have urged transparency and the publication of the voting tallies. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela President blocks social media platform X for 10 days

Donald Trump and Democratic opponent Kamala Harris are set to debate on September 10 on ABC, marking their first face-to-face confrontation in what polls indicate is a tight race.

In other news,&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Thursday (Aug 8) that the government agreed to resume the Gaza war ceasefire talks on August 15 at the demand of US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators.&nbsp;

Click on the links to read more...

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-harris-to-debate-on-abc-trump-calls-for-two-additional-debates-748577">Trump and Harris to debate on Sep 10; Trump calls for two additional debates</a>

Donald Trump said during a news conference at his Palm Beach, Florida, residence, that he wanted extra debates on Sept. 4 and Sept. 25 that would air on Fox and NBC.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/07/25/445457-new-wion-2024-07-25t063947018.png?imwidth=400" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-agrees-to-resume-truce-talks-on-aug-15-at-mediators-demand-748588">Gaza war: Israel agrees to resume truce talks on Aug 15 at mediators' demand</a>

Netanyahu's office said that Israel would be sending a negotiating team on August 15&nbsp;&nbsp;to conclude the details of implementing a ceasefire deal.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/08/09/448385-untitled-design.png?imwidth=400" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-president-blocks-social-media-platform-x-for-10-days-748601">Venezuela President blocks social media platform X for 10 days</a>

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro escalated tensions with the social media platform X and its owner, Elon Musk, by imposing a 10-day ban on the platform in the country, following uproar over a contested presidential election.

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/31/307416-earawxpdnzkwphyrbjthctrq4a.jpg?imwidth=400" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-a-full-scale-war-in-lebanon-will-warns-minister-748568">West Asia crisis: 'A full-scale war in Lebanon will...,' warns minister</a>

Lebanon's Economy Minister&nbsp;Amin Salam said on Thursday (Aug 8) that the country's economy was in a very dangerous spot as the government prepared&nbsp;for war, a siege, and billions of dollars of destruction and losses.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Donald Trump and Democratic opponent Kamala Harris are set to debate on September 10 on ABC, marking their first face-to-face confrontation in what polls indicate is a tight race.

Donald Trump and Democratic opponent Kamala Harris are set to debate on September 10 on ABC, marking their first face-to-face confrontation in what polls indicate is a tight race. In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Thursday (Aug 8) that the government agreed to resume the Gaza war ceasefire talks on August 15 at the demand of US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators. Click on the links to read more... Trump and Harris to debate on Sep 10; Trump calls for two additional debates Donald Trump said during a news conference at his Palm Beach, Florida, residence, that he wanted extra debates on Sept. 4 and Sept. 25 that would air on Fox and NBC. Gaza war: Israel agrees to resume truce talks on Aug 15 at mediators' demand Netanyahu's office said that Israel would be sending a negotiating team on August 15 to conclude the details of implementing a ceasefire deal. Venezuela President blocks social media platform X for 10 days Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro escalated tensions with the social media platform X and its owner, Elon Musk, by imposing a 10-day ban on the platform in the country, following uproar over a contested presidential election. West Asia crisis: 'A full-scale war in Lebanon will...,' warns minister Lebanon's Economy Minister Amin Salam said on Thursday (Aug 8) that the country's economy was in a very dangerous spot as the government prepared for war, a siege, and billions of dollars of destruction and losses. VIDEO: Paris Olympics javelin final: Neeraj Chopra seals silver ×

Morning news brief: Trump-Harris agree to presidential debate; Venezuela blocks X; and more

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro urged his supporters to remove WhatsApp from their devices and accused the Meta-owned messaging app is being exploited by "fascists" to instigate violence. Maduro's comment came as a fervent appeal under the rain at a rally organised by the ruling party’s youth branch.

Maduro called for a "voluntary, progressive, and radical withdrawal" from WhatsApp. The Venezuelan president called for a gradual switch to alternative platforms such as Telegram and the Chinese messaging app WeChat.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-nicolas-maduro-venezuelas-bus-driver-turned-president-who-won-yet-another-term-745234">Who is Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's bus driver-turned-president, who won yet another term?</a>

"Through WhatsApp, they are threatening the military family, the police, the street leaders, the community, everyone who doesn’t declare themselves in favor of fascism," Maduro stated.&nbsp;

He also criticised TikTok and Instagram for promoting "hate," promising regulatory measures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-elections-meet-maria-corina-machado-the-iron-lady-slaying-her-way-to-challenge-president-maduro-744101">Venezuela elections: Meet María Corina Machado, the 'Iron Lady' slaying her way to challenge President Maduro</a>

At the youth rally, Maduro referred to the government’s security operation "Tun-Tun," named after the "knock-knock" sound on doors. "Knock, knock, who’s there?" he sang to the tune of a popular Christmas song, adding, "People of peace. Don’t be a crying baby, you’ll go to Tocoron." Tocoron, a maximum-security prison.&nbsp;

The latest stance against social media platforms comes amid a stringent crackdown by Maduro’s regime following his self-proclaimed victory in the presidential election. Maduro has consistently labeled opposition leader María Corina Machado and her proxy candidate Edmundo González as "fascists".&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Anti-Maduro protests in Venezuela: Clashes and violence over election results

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Maduro has accused Machado of instigating protests ignited by allegations of electoral fraud.

In response to the controversy, Maduro has requested Venezuela’s high court to review the election results.&nbsp;

On Monday (August 5), Venezuela's head of the electoral authority, Elvis Amoroso, handed over the electoral documentation during a state television broadcast.&nbsp;

The specifics of the documents, particularly whether they contained detailed tabulations of results as disclosed by the opposition, remain undisclosed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro urged his supporters to remove WhatsApp from their devices and accused the Meta-owned messaging app is being exploited by "fascists" to instigate violence.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro urged his supporters to remove WhatsApp from their devices and accused the Meta-owned messaging app is being exploited by "fascists" to instigate violence. Maduro's comment came as a fervent appeal under the rain at a rally organised by the ruling party’s youth branch. Maduro called for a "voluntary, progressive, and radical withdrawal" from WhatsApp. The Venezuelan president called for a gradual switch to alternative platforms such as Telegram and the Chinese messaging app WeChat. Also read | Who is Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's bus driver-turned-president, who won yet another term? "Through WhatsApp, they are threatening the military family, the police, the street leaders, the community, everyone who doesn’t declare themselves in favor of fascism," Maduro stated. He also criticised TikTok and Instagram for promoting "hate," promising regulatory measures. Also read | Venezuela elections: Meet María Corina Machado, the 'Iron Lady' slaying her way to challenge President Maduro At the youth rally, Maduro referred to the government’s security operation "Tun-Tun," named after the "knock-knock" sound on doors. "Knock, knock, who’s there?" he sang to the tune of a popular Christmas song, adding, "People of peace. Don’t be a crying baby, you’ll go to Tocoron." Tocoron, a maximum-security prison. The latest stance against social media platforms comes amid a stringent crackdown by Maduro’s regime following his self-proclaimed victory in the presidential election. Maduro has consistently labeled opposition leader María Corina Machado and her proxy candidate Edmundo González as "fascists". Also watch | Anti-Maduro protests in Venezuela: Clashes and violence over election results × Maduro has accused Machado of instigating protests ignited by allegations of electoral fraud. In response to the controversy, Maduro has requested Venezuela’s high court to review the election results. On Monday (August 5), Venezuela's head of the electoral authority, Elvis Amoroso, handed over the electoral documentation during a state television broadcast. The specifics of the documents, particularly whether they contained detailed tabulations of results as disclosed by the opposition, remain undisclosed. (With inputs from agencies)

Maduro warns Venezuelan dissidents of 'tun-tun operations', calls against use of WhatsApp

Venezuelan authorities on Friday ratified Nicolas Maduro's election victory as a growing number of nations recognized his opposition rival as the true winner. Watch in for more details!

Venezuelan authorities ratify Maduro's victory

The United States recognised Edmundo Gonzalez, the opposition candidate, as the winner of Venezuela's disputed presidential election, rejecting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's claim of victory.

"Given the overwhelming evidence, it is quite clear to United States and to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela's July 28 presidential election," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 1).

The announcement from Washington only extended congratulations to Gonzalez for a "successful campaign," marking the closest the US has come since Sunday’s contested election to recognising him as the new leader of Venezuela.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-election-president-nicolas-maduro-wins-third-term-745123" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-election-president-nicolas-maduro-wins-third-term-745123&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj82Y3irtWHAxXMSWwGHcb8DsUQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1OVNTlA9BedP5mEKlEqE6L&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-election-president-nicolas-maduro-wins-third-term-745123" target="_blank">President Nicolas Maduro wins third term, opposition rejects result</a>

It is worth mentioning here, the dispute over the presidential election results has sparked protests in the country.&nbsp;

Venezuela's electoral council proclaimed Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner of the July 28 election with 51% of the vote.

However the country's opposition articulate that its tally of about 90% of the votes shows that Gonzalez received more than double the support of the current president, in line with independent polling conducted before the contest.

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The opposition also released complete tallies on a public website, while the government has so far not shared any information beyond a national total of votes for each candidate.

Notably, Blinken's statement on Thursday did not threaten new sanctions on Venezuela but did hint at possible disciplinary action.

According to a Reuters report Washington was considering fresh sanctions in response to the disputed election.

"We fully support the process of re-establishing democratic norms in Venezuela and stand ready to consider ways to bolster it jointly with our international partners," Blinken said.

Blinken also urge that opposition leaders be protected and kept safe.

"Law enforcement and security forces should not become an instrument of political violence used against citizens exercising their democratic rights," said the US Secretary of State.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/venezuela-accelerates-shift-to-cryptocurrency-amid-return-of-oil-sanctions-714056" target="_blank">Venezuela accelerates shift to cryptocurrency amid return of oil sanctions</a>

Meanwhile on Thursday, the presidents of Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia called for Venezuela to release detailed voting tallies amid the dispute over the presidential election results.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States recognised Edmundo Gonzalez, the opposition candidate, as the winner of Venezuela's disputed presidential election, rejecting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's claim of victory.

The United States recognised Edmundo Gonzalez, the opposition candidate, as the winner of Venezuela's disputed presidential election, rejecting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's claim of victory. "Given the overwhelming evidence, it is quite clear to United States and to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela's July 28 presidential election," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 1). The announcement from Washington only extended congratulations to Gonzalez for a "successful campaign," marking the closest the US has come since Sunday’s contested election to recognising him as the new leader of Venezuela. Also read: President Nicolas Maduro wins third term, opposition rejects result It is worth mentioning here, the dispute over the presidential election results has sparked protests in the country. Venezuela's electoral council proclaimed Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner of the July 28 election with 51% of the vote. However the country's opposition articulate that its tally of about 90% of the votes shows that Gonzalez received more than double the support of the current president, in line with independent polling conducted before the contest. × The opposition also released complete tallies on a public website, while the government has so far not shared any information beyond a national total of votes for each candidate. Notably, Blinken's statement on Thursday did not threaten new sanctions on Venezuela but did hint at possible disciplinary action. According to a Reuters report Washington was considering fresh sanctions in response to the disputed election. "We fully support the process of re-establishing democratic norms in Venezuela and stand ready to consider ways to bolster it jointly with our international partners," Blinken said. Blinken also urge that opposition leaders be protected and kept safe. "Law enforcement and security forces should not become an instrument of political violence used against citizens exercising their democratic rights," said the US Secretary of State. Also read | Venezuela accelerates shift to cryptocurrency amid return of oil sanctions Meanwhile on Thursday, the presidents of Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia called for Venezuela to release detailed voting tallies amid the dispute over the presidential election results. (With inputs from agencies)

US recognises Maduro’s rival Edmundo Gonzalez as winner of Venezuela election

As international pressure on the South American leader to be "transparent" with the vote results grows, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has pledged to make public all of the vote tallies from a contentious election that took place over the weekend.

Anti-Maduro protests in Venezuela: Opposition under fear of arrest, SC accpets audit elections

Venezuela is in a state of Crisis opposition leader María Corina Machado who is now in hiding after being threatened with arrest has called for protests in every single city of Venezuela to denounce the disputed reelection of President Nicholas Maduro. Watch in for more details!

Venezuela post-election tensions simmer: Opposition leader Machado calls for protests Saturday

Anti-Maduro protests in Venezuela: US declares opposition candidate winner

Anti-Maduro protests in Venezuela | Overwhelming evidence Venezuela opposition won election, says US

At least 11 people have been killed in different parts of Venezuela since Sunday's election after protests erupted following electoral authority declaring Nicolas Maduro the winner for a third term. Watch in for more details!

Venezuela elections: Maduro ready to release vote tallies

Venezuela elections: Maduro says willing to show election records, vote tallies

Violent protests have broken out in places across the Venezuelan capital Caracas on July 29, in the aftermath of the country’s presidential election. Far-right mobs have attempted to block major roads, including the road next to the Simón Bolívar International Airport, and have attacked buses, police cars, and members of the country’s security forces. The protests seem to be in response to calls by the defeated far-right opposition that on Sunday evening refused to recognize the victory of Nicolás Maduro.

Maduro willing to show election results, ready to show vote tallies

Things are heating up in Venezuela, to the extent that the streets of the capital Caracas and several other cities have become battlegrounds. Anti-government protests have swept through Venezuela following the contentious election result that awarded a third term to long-serving president Nicolas Maduro. Watch in for more details!

Venezuela's Election Turmoil: World leaders react to Venezuela election results

Protesters took to the streets across Venezuela on Tuesday, demanding that President Nicolas Maduro acknowledge he lost Sunday's election to the opposition, as a major international observer concluded the vote was undemocratic.

The protests, which the government denounced as an attempted "coup," began on Monday after the South American country's electoral authority declared that Maduro had won a third term with 51% of votes to extend a quarter-century of socialist rule.

The opposition, which considers the election body to be in the pocket of a dictatorial government, says its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez had more than twice as many votes as Maduro based on the 90% of vote tallies it has been able to access.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelans-protest-president-maduros-re-election-after-exceptional-manipulation-in-polls-745677">Venezuelans protest Maduro's re-election after 'exceptional' poll manipulation</a>

At least 11 people have been killed in different parts of the country since the election in incidents related to the count or associated protests, according to rights group Foro Penal.

The U.S.-based Carter Center, which observed the vote, said in a statement late on Tuesday the election "did not meet international standards of electoral integrity and cannot be considered democratic."

The electoral authority's failure to publish disaggregated results amounts to a "serious breach," it added, outlining what it determined to be a deeply flawed process from start to finish.

Many countries have called on Venezuela to make the vote tally public and U.S. sources said Washington was considering fresh sanctions on individuals linked to the election unless there was greater transparency.

On Tuesday, both Maduro and his top legislative ally accused Gonzalez and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado of fomenting violence in the aftermath of the vote.

In a winding speech broadcast on state television, Maduro declared that opposition protesters had battered civilians and started fires, demanding that Gonzalez answer for them.

"Respond to that you coward!" Maduro shouted, after saying both Gonzalez and Machado should be held accountable.

Jorge Rodriguez, the head of the Congress for Maduro's ruling socialists, was more direct in a speech earlier in the day, insisting that both opposition figures must be arrested for the crimes of the protesters.

"Their bosses should go to prison," he told lawmakers, accusing Gonzalez of leading a "fascist conspiracy."

Costa Rica said it was prepared to give political asylum to Machado and Gonzalez. On X, Machado thanked the government but said her priority was to "continue this struggle" from Venezuela.

The embattled Maduro, who also called for more marches, said in his speech that his government was reaching out to both China and Russia for help with alleged attacks on the electoral authority's systems, blaming billionaire Elon Musk for them without presenting evidence.

Echoing other officials, Maduro's defense minister, General Vladimir Padrino, declared that there was a "coup in progress" but insisted that the country's armed forces would help defeat it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-elections-meet-maria-corina-machado-the-iron-lady-slaying-her-way-to-challenge-president-maduro-744101" target="_blank">Venezuela elections: Meet María Corina Machado, the 'Iron Lady' slaying her way to challenge President Maduro</a>

The 61-year-old president is a former union leader and foreign minister who won an election after former President Hugo Chavez's death in 2013. Maduro was re-elected in 2018 in a vote the opposition says was fraudulent.

He has presided over an economic collapse and a mass exodus of Venezuelans, while U.S. and EU sanctions have crippled an already struggling oil industry.

A Maduro win could spur more migration from Venezuela, once the continent's wealthiest country, which in recent years has seen a third of its population leave.

'FRAUD BY THE REGIME'

Opposition leader Machado was barred from running in the election but spearheaded Gonzalez's campaign. For the first time on Tuesday she accused Maduro's government of a corrupt vote count.

"What we are fighting here is a fraud by the regime," Machado said, while urging peaceful protest.

A large crowd, many waving Venezuelan flags, chanted: "We are not afraid!"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-nicolas-maduro-venezuelas-bus-driver-turned-president-who-won-yet-another-term-745234" target="_blank">Who is Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's bus driver-turned-president, who won yet another term?</a>

"Edmundo is the president. We know he won the election," said 27-year-old brokerage worker Andrea Garcia. "We want to live in the Venezuela that our parents had, where there wasn't hunger in the streets."

The opposition has long denounced obstacles over candidate registrations, detentions of opposition members and even a confusing ballot lay-out.

The Carter Center agreed with those criticisms in its statement.

"Authorities frequently attempted to restrict the opposition's campaign activities," it said. "This included harassment or intimidation of people who provided services or goods to the main opposition campaign."

The CNE electoral authority, which formally proclaimed Maduro president for the 2025-2031 term on Monday, demonstrated clear bias in his favor, the Center added, while in-country voters faced short registration deadlines and most of the country's large diaspora was disenfranchised arbitrarily.

But the opposition's options going forward appear limited given the military has shown no sign it will break from its long-standing support for Maduro and previous cycles of anti-government protests and sanctions have failed to dislodge him.

Opposition protesters marched in several cities on Tuesday. In some locations Reuters witnesses saw protesters attacked by security forces. Many stores remained closed.

In Valencia, a protester spray-painted "fraud" on the road.

At pro-Maduro demonstrations, meanwhile, marchers danced and motorcycle-riding supporters revved their engines, insisting the election is over.

"We're here to peacefully support an election which has already given its result," said teacher Carmen Torres, 36, adding that despite some doubts she preferred Maduro to a "neoliberal" government.

On Monday, protesters had blocked roads, lit fires and threw petrol bombs at police, and police responded by firing tear gas.

In Coro, capital of Falcon state, on the Caribbean coast, protesters cheered when they tore down a statue of Chavez, Maduro's mentor who ruled from 1999-2013.

Amid the dueling protests, security agents arrested at least two more opposition leaders.

Voluntad Popular's national coordinator Freddy Superlano was detained, as was Ricardo Estevez, a senior official with Vente Venezuela, the parties said in posts on X.

Many Venezuelans have said any decision they make on whether to join the exodus from the country would be dependent on the election.

"It feels like I no longer have anything to do here in Venezuela," said 23-year-old graduate Jorge Salcedo in Caracas.

"We'll start from scratch in another country ... We live in a country with repression, and we live in a country under dictatorship. It was our last chance."

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Protesters took to the streets across Venezuela on Tuesday, demanding that President Nicolas Maduro acknowledge he lost Sunday's election to the opposition, as a major international observer concluded the vote was undemocratic.

Protesters took to the streets across Venezuela on Tuesday, demanding that President Nicolas Maduro acknowledge he lost Sunday's election to the opposition, as a major international observer concluded the vote was undemocratic. The protests, which the government denounced as an attempted "coup," began on Monday after the South American country's electoral authority declared that Maduro had won a third term with 51% of votes to extend a quarter-century of socialist rule. The opposition, which considers the election body to be in the pocket of a dictatorial government, says its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez had more than twice as many votes as Maduro based on the 90% of vote tallies it has been able to access. Also read: Venezuelans protest Maduro's re-election after 'exceptional' poll manipulation At least 11 people have been killed in different parts of the country since the election in incidents related to the count or associated protests, according to rights group Foro Penal. The U.S.-based Carter Center, which observed the vote, said in a statement late on Tuesday the election "did not meet international standards of electoral integrity and cannot be considered democratic." The electoral authority's failure to publish disaggregated results amounts to a "serious breach," it added, outlining what it determined to be a deeply flawed process from start to finish. Many countries have called on Venezuela to make the vote tally public and U.S. sources said Washington was considering fresh sanctions on individuals linked to the election unless there was greater transparency. On Tuesday, both Maduro and his top legislative ally accused Gonzalez and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado of fomenting violence in the aftermath of the vote. In a winding speech broadcast on state television, Maduro declared that opposition protesters had battered civilians and started fires, demanding that Gonzalez answer for them. "Respond to that you coward!" Maduro shouted, after saying both Gonzalez and Machado should be held accountable. Jorge Rodriguez, the head of the Congress for Maduro's ruling socialists, was more direct in a speech earlier in the day, insisting that both opposition figures must be arrested for the crimes of the protesters. "Their bosses should go to prison," he told lawmakers, accusing Gonzalez of leading a "fascist conspiracy." Costa Rica said it was prepared to give political asylum to Machado and Gonzalez. On X, Machado thanked the government but said her priority was to "continue this struggle" from Venezuela. The embattled Maduro, who also called for more marches, said in his speech that his government was reaching out to both China and Russia for help with alleged attacks on the electoral authority's systems, blaming billionaire Elon Musk for them without presenting evidence. Echoing other officials, Maduro's defense minister, General Vladimir Padrino, declared that there was a "coup in progress" but insisted that the country's armed forces would help defeat it. Also read | Venezuela elections: Meet María Corina Machado, the 'Iron Lady' slaying her way to challenge President Maduro The 61-year-old president is a former union leader and foreign minister who won an election after former President Hugo Chavez's death in 2013. Maduro was re-elected in 2018 in a vote the opposition says was fraudulent. He has presided over an economic collapse and a mass exodus of Venezuelans, while U.S. and EU sanctions have crippled an already struggling oil industry. A Maduro win could spur more migration from Venezuela, once the continent's wealthiest country, which in recent years has seen a third of its population leave. 'FRAUD BY THE REGIME' Opposition leader Machado was barred from running in the election but spearheaded Gonzalez's campaign. For the first time on Tuesday she accused Maduro's government of a corrupt vote count. "What we are fighting here is a fraud by the regime," Machado said, while urging peaceful protest. A large crowd, many waving Venezuelan flags, chanted: "We are not afraid!" Also read | Who is Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's bus driver-turned-president, who won yet another term? "Edmundo is the president. We know he won the election," said 27-year-old brokerage worker Andrea Garcia. "We want to live in the Venezuela that our parents had, where there wasn't hunger in the streets." The opposition has long denounced obstacles over candidate registrations, detentions of opposition members and even a confusing ballot lay-out. The Carter Center agreed with those criticisms in its statement. "Authorities frequently attempted to restrict the opposition's campaign activities," it said. "This included harassment or intimidation of people who provided services or goods to the main opposition campaign." The CNE electoral authority, which formally proclaimed Maduro president for the 2025-2031 term on Monday, demonstrated clear bias in his favor, the Center added, while in-country voters faced short registration deadlines and most of the country's large diaspora was disenfranchised arbitrarily. But the opposition's options going forward appear limited given the military has shown no sign it will break from its long-standing support for Maduro and previous cycles of anti-government protests and sanctions have failed to dislodge him. Opposition protesters marched in several cities on Tuesday. In some locations Reuters witnesses saw protesters attacked by security forces. Many stores remained closed. In Valencia, a protester spray-painted "fraud" on the road. At pro-Maduro demonstrations, meanwhile, marchers danced and motorcycle-riding supporters revved their engines, insisting the election is over. "We're here to peacefully support an election which has already given its result," said teacher Carmen Torres, 36, adding that despite some doubts she preferred Maduro to a "neoliberal" government. On Monday, protesters had blocked roads, lit fires and threw petrol bombs at police, and police responded by firing tear gas. In Coro, capital of Falcon state, on the Caribbean coast, protesters cheered when they tore down a statue of Chavez, Maduro's mentor who ruled from 1999-2013. Amid the dueling protests, security agents arrested at least two more opposition leaders. Voluntad Popular's national coordinator Freddy Superlano was detained, as was Ricardo Estevez, a senior official with Vente Venezuela, the parties said in posts on X. Many Venezuelans have said any decision they make on whether to join the exodus from the country would be dependent on the election. "It feels like I no longer have anything to do here in Venezuela," said 23-year-old graduate Jorge Salcedo in Caracas. "We'll start from scratch in another country ... We live in a country with repression, and we live in a country under dictatorship. It was our last chance." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

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Things are heating up in Venezuela, to the extent that the streets of the capital Caracas and several other cities have become battlegrounds. Anti-government protests have swept through Venezuela following the contentious election result that awarded a third term to long-serving president Nicolas Maduro. The opposition claims it has substantial evidence that the election was stolen.

Venezuelan cities become battlegrounds between anti-Govt protestors, police

Panama Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez has emphasized on his country's strong ties with India & invited Indian businesses to invites in his country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, 'We understand rise of India as a power'. He said that his country is also working to get Indian institutions in Panama even as many Panamaians choose India as a destination for education under scholarship. He also spoke on Pharma, a digital cooperation with Delhi.

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New demonstrations were expected in Venezuela on Tuesday, after four people died and dozens were injured when the authorities broke up protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s claim of victory in a hotly disputed election. Watch in for more details!

Venezuela Protest: Protesters take to the streets against Maduro's reelection

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