<p>Thousands of furious Venezuelans took to the streets in and beyond the capital Caracas on Monday (July 29), with fresh protests expected on July 30 against what they describe as 'a stolen election'. Ordinary citizens of the South American nation as well as opposition politicians tore down posters of President Nicolas Maduro across Caracas.</p>

<p>The country's electoral council loyal to President Maduro announced that he won a third term in voting after Sunday (July 30).</p>

<p>The opposition, which polls had predicted would win by a landslide, claimed it took more than two-thirds of the votes in the oil-rich country.</p>

<p>The National Electoral Council (CNE) gave Maduro 51 per cent of the votes, against 44 per cent for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the proxy for wildly popular opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.</p>

<p>Courts loyal to Maduro barred Machado from running for president earlier this year, citing what she and many Venezuelans call bogus corruption charges.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>Most Venezuelans live on just a few dollars a month and endure shortages of food and such basics as soap and toilet paper.</p>

<p>The opposition rejected the results announced by the electoral council but has not yet called for protests.</p>

<p>Maduro, without giving evidence, denounced what he called an incipient coup. "They are trying out their first failed steps to destabilise Venezuela," he said.</p>

<p><b>Also watch |&nbsp;Venezuela Elections 2024: Incumbent Nicolas Maduro wins third term</b></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, on Tuesday (July 30), a leading figure within Venezuela's opposition coalition was arrested, his party said, denouncing an "escalation of repression" amid ongoing protests.</p>

<p>"Just a few minutes ago our national political coordinator, Freddy Superlano, was kidnapped," The Voluntad Popular party wrote on X, alongside a video of him being taken away by officials dressed in black.</p>

<p>Earlier, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado told reporters that a review of available voting records clearly showed that the next president "will be Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia".</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>The records showed a "mathematically irreversible" lead for Gonzalez Urrutia, she said, with 6.27 million votes to Maduro's 2.75 million.</p>

<p>The Organisation of American States, a regional body, charged Tuesday (July 30) there was "exceptional manipulation" of the election results that handed Maduro his win.</p>

<p>Machado called Venezuelans to turn out for "popular assemblies" nationwide to show support for a peaceful transition of power.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Thousands of furious Venezuelans took to the streets in and beyond the capital Caracas on Monday (July 29), with fresh protests expected on July 30 against what they describe as 'a stolen election'.

Thousands of furious Venezuelans took to the streets in and beyond the capital Caracas on Monday (July 29), with fresh protests expected on July 30 against what they describe as 'a stolen election'. Ordinary citizens of the South American nation as well as opposition politicians tore down posters of President Nicolas Maduro across Caracas. The country's electoral council loyal to President Maduro announced that he won a third term in voting after Sunday (July 30). The opposition, which polls had predicted would win by a landslide, claimed it took more than two-thirds of the votes in the oil-rich country. The National Electoral Council (CNE) gave Maduro 51 per cent of the votes, against 44 per cent for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the proxy for wildly popular opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Courts loyal to Maduro barred Machado from running for president earlier this year, citing what she and many Venezuelans call bogus corruption charges. Also read | Venezuela elections: Meet María Corina Machado, the 'Iron Lady' slaying her way to challenge President Maduro Most Venezuelans live on just a few dollars a month and endure shortages of food and such basics as soap and toilet paper. The opposition rejected the results announced by the electoral council but has not yet called for protests. Maduro, without giving evidence, denounced what he called an incipient coup. "They are trying out their first failed steps to destabilise Venezuela," he said. Also watch | Venezuela Elections 2024: Incumbent Nicolas Maduro wins third term × Meanwhile, on Tuesday (July 30), a leading figure within Venezuela's opposition coalition was arrested, his party said, denouncing an "escalation of repression" amid ongoing protests. "Just a few minutes ago our national political coordinator, Freddy Superlano, was kidnapped," The Voluntad Popular party wrote on X, alongside a video of him being taken away by officials dressed in black. Earlier, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado told reporters that a review of available voting records clearly showed that the next president "will be Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia". Also read | Who is Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's bus driver-turned-president, who won yet another term? The records showed a "mathematically irreversible" lead for Gonzalez Urrutia, she said, with 6.27 million votes to Maduro's 2.75 million. The Organisation of American States, a regional body, charged Tuesday (July 30) there was "exceptional manipulation" of the election results that handed Maduro his win. Machado called Venezuelans to turn out for "popular assemblies" nationwide to show support for a peaceful transition of power. (With inputs from agencies)

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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!

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Security forces in Venezuela responded to protests as demonstrators took to the streets angered by announcement of the victory of Nicolas Maduro in the country's Presidential election. Watch in for more details!

Protests break out in Venezuela, anti-government protesters challenge election results

Venezuelan security forces have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters angered by the announcement that Nicolas Maduro won Sunday’s presidential election. Thousands of people flooded the streets of the capital, Caracas, on Monday, chanting “Freedom, freedom!” and “This government is going to fall!” The opposition has questioned the official results announced by the electoral commission, a doubt backed up by several countries around the world.

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Venezuela election: Tensions rise as anti-government protests grow in Caracas

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.

Protests break out in Venezuela, one killed, anti-govt. protestors challenge election result

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday (July 29) won a third term in office with 51 per cent of the vote, the country's electoral authority said despite multiple exit polls which pointed to an opposition win. Maduro, 61, will now be president for another six years. In office since 2013, he is accused of locking up critics and harassing the opposition in a climate of rising authoritarianism.

Venezuela Presidential Elections 2024: Incumbent Nicolas Maduro wins third term

<p>Venezuelans are lining in queues on Sunday (Jul 28) as the country goes to a highly consequential presidential election. President Nicolas Maduro is in for an uphill task to defeat the opposition coalition, the Democratic Unitary Platform. “I’m doing this for my children and my grandchildren,” one voter, Amelia Perez, was quoted as saying by CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Maduro is seeking a third term in office, with the past two terms marred with allegations of violent repression and a glaring botch up of the once-flourishing economy.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiyq9-brMqHAxXNT2wGHSpmDIwQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-elections-meet-maria-corina-machado-the-iron-lady-slaying-her-way-to-challenge-president-maduro-744101" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-elections-meet-maria-corina-machado-the-iron-lady-slaying-her-way-to-challenge-president-maduro-744101&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiyq9-brMqHAxXNT2wGHSpmDIwQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Venezuela elections: Meet María Corina Machado, the `Iron Lady` slaying her way to challenge President Maduro</a></strong></p>

<p>The oil-rich nation was once the fifth-largest economy in Latin America but its economy has shrunk over the last decade.</p>

<p>Nations like the US, as well as European Union, have imposed crippling sanctions on the country, but those have failed to topple the Maduro regime. Under his watch, almost 8 million people have fled the nation amid shortages of vital goods and soaring inflation.</p>

<h2><strong>Minor irregularities</strong></h2>

<p>The opposition initially reported minor irregularities but the polling was going smoothly in most of the country.</p>

<p>There are concerns that the Maduro regime may not allow free and fair elections. Previous polls were also marred with allegations of rigging, which the government vehemently denied. However, members of the opposition coalition were present at each polling station to ensure no breach was allowed to happen.</p>

<p>A team of election observers is also on the ground, including one from the Carter Center – a non-profit organization set up by former US President Jimmy Carter.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Venezuela Elections 2024: All eyes are on Venezuela elections</strong></p>

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<p>Opposition has urged the country's military, which has supported the Maduro regime in the past, to respect the results.</p>

<p>Latin American leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, have also called on the Venezuelan leader to step down if he loses in the elections.</p>

<p>“The military is absolutely key. But I must also say that the military is very hermetic, [and] it is very difficult to access information about what it is thinking,” Laura Cristina Dib, the Venezuela Program Director of Venezuela Programme at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), was quoted as saying by CNN.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Venezuelans are lining in queues on Sunday (Jul 28) as the country goes to a highly consequential presidential election. President Nicolas Maduro is in for an uphill task to defeat the opposition coalition, the Democratic Unitary Platform.

Venezuelans are lining in queues on Sunday (Jul 28) as the country goes to a highly consequential presidential election. President Nicolas Maduro is in for an uphill task to defeat the opposition coalition, the Democratic Unitary Platform. “I’m doing this for my children and my grandchildren,” one voter, Amelia Perez, was quoted as saying by CNN. President Maduro is seeking a third term in office, with the past two terms marred with allegations of violent repression and a glaring botch up of the once-flourishing economy. Also read: Venezuela elections: Meet María Corina Machado, the `Iron Lady` slaying her way to challenge President Maduro The oil-rich nation was once the fifth-largest economy in Latin America but its economy has shrunk over the last decade. Nations like the US, as well as European Union, have imposed crippling sanctions on the country, but those have failed to topple the Maduro regime. Under his watch, almost 8 million people have fled the nation amid shortages of vital goods and soaring inflation. Minor irregularities The opposition initially reported minor irregularities but the polling was going smoothly in most of the country. There are concerns that the Maduro regime may not allow free and fair elections. Previous polls were also marred with allegations of rigging, which the government vehemently denied. However, members of the opposition coalition were present at each polling station to ensure no breach was allowed to happen. A team of election observers is also on the ground, including one from the Carter Center – a non-profit organization set up by former US President Jimmy Carter. Watch: Venezuela Elections 2024: All eyes are on Venezuela elections × Opposition has urged the country's military, which has supported the Maduro regime in the past, to respect the results. Latin American leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, have also called on the Venezuelan leader to step down if he loses in the elections. “The military is absolutely key. But I must also say that the military is very hermetic, [and] it is very difficult to access information about what it is thinking,” Laura Cristina Dib, the Venezuela Program Director of Venezuela Programme at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), was quoted as saying by CNN. (With inputs from agencies)

Venezuela: President Maduro faces uphill battle in highly consequential presidential polls

Nicolás Maduro has been declared the winner of the presidential election, securing his third term in office. However, this victory is mired in controversy, with opposition leaders vehemently disputing the results.

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Polls open in Venezuela on Sunday as Western officials called for a fair election between President Nicolas Maduro and rival Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. Around 21 million people are registered to vote.

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Venezuela Elections 2024: Incumbent Nicolas Maduro wins third term

<p>When Nicolas Maduro Moras took over charge at Venezuela after the untimely death of revolutionary socialist leader Hugo Chavez in 2013, not many expected him to have such a long stint at the helm. On Sunday (July 28), Maduro, the 61-year-old former bus driver declared himself the victor the contentious presidential election of the South American nation. This will be his third consecutive term, which lasts for another six years.</p>

<p>The election results were immediately rejected by opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Maria herself was banned by Madoro's regime from contesting, and instead the&nbsp;opposition fielded&nbsp;Edmundo Gonzalez. The opposition is claiming that Gonzalez&nbsp;&nbsp;won 70 per cent of the vote. But for now, Maduro appears to be firmly in the driver's seat yet again, all set for a third term as president.</p>

<h2>Who is Nicolas Maduro?</h2>

<p>Maduro was born into a working class Roman Catholic family in Caracas. His father was a prominent trade unionist.</p>

<p>A bus driver by profession, Maduro was part of Hugo Chavez's United Socialist Party. Having risen through its trade union, he was elected to the country's parliament, the National Assembly, for the first time in 2000.</p>

<p>Soon Maduro became the right hand man of Chavez, who was a fan of Che Guevera, and had led 'silent coups' to become president. The positions Maduro held over time include the president of National Assembly (2005-06) and foreign minister (2006-13) before becoming the vice president under Chavez (2012-13). &nbsp;</p>

<p>Eventually after Chavez died of cancer, Maduro took charge as president in 2013, winning the special presidential election.</p>

<h2>Not a smooth ride for the former bus driver</h2>

<p>But power was not a smooth ride for the leader of the oil-rich country. Venezuela has been for years the site of political experimentations by the US, which saw it as part of the sphere of influence and was averse to a communist leadership in the country. Like it did in the case of Cuba and Chile, and numerous other Latin American countries during much of the Cold War era, the US tried to oust Maduro in a number of ways, including by supporting and propping up alternative leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prominent among such leaders was the former speaker of the Venezuelan parliament Geaido. He was feted in the US and at one point gave a tough challenge to Maduro, but the socialist party machinery managed to weather that storm too.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-election-president-nicolas-maduro-wins-third-term-745123"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Venezuela election: President Nicolas Maduro wins third term, opposition rejects result</strong></a></p>

<h2>Venezuela under Maduro: A nation under siege</h2>

<p>What could have been one of the richest nations due to its oil wealth, Venezuela continued to languish in poverty under Maduro. But his ground support among the working classes remained strong, something that helped him maintain a firm grip on power. Venezuela faced immense inflation, with its currency highly devalued, and natural resources like petroleum nationalised by the Maduro regime. Essential goods shortages had led many Venezuelans to flee the country, particularly to neighbouring Colombia.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under Maduro's regime, at least seven million people have fled the country and more than 20,000 people died in extrajudicial killings according to human rights observers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-presidential-elections-2024-incumbent-nicolas-maduro-wins-third-term-745164"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Venezuela Presidential Elections 2024: Incumbent Nicolas Maduro wins third term</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Facing down the Opposition, the Maduro way</h2>

<p>Maduro has ruled with an iron fist, inspite of multiple protests challenging him. Those include the mainly middle class agitations in 2014. In 2015, the National Assembly was won by opposition parties, yet Maduro held on to power, with the so-called Supreme Tribunal, the National Electoral Council and the armed forces on his side.</p>

<p>He quelled a recall effort in 2016, led by the speaker of the opposition-led National Assembly Juan Guaidó. He had done this by making the Supreme Tribunal remove the powers of the assembly, which had led to further protests in 2017. To solve the constitutional crisis created by this situation, Maduro made efforts to rewrite the constitution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At one point, there was even a strange situation of 'two presidents' in Venezuela. While Maduro was sworn in as president after the May 2018 presidential elections, the opposition-led National Assembly declared its leader Guaido as interim president. The tussle continued for four years, with Guaido explicitly backed by the US, which even invited him to the Congress.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


When Nicolas Maduro Moras took over charge at Venezuela after the untimely death of revolutionary socialist leader Hugo Chavez in 2013, not many expected him to have such a long stint at the helm.

When Nicolas Maduro Moras took over charge at Venezuela after the untimely death of revolutionary socialist leader Hugo Chavez in 2013, not many expected him to have such a long stint at the helm. On Sunday (July 28), Maduro, the 61-year-old former bus driver declared himself the victor the contentious presidential election of the South American nation. This will be his third consecutive term, which lasts for another six years. The election results were immediately rejected by opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Maria herself was banned by Madoro's regime from contesting, and instead the opposition fielded Edmundo Gonzalez. The opposition is claiming that Gonzalez won 70 per cent of the vote. But for now, Maduro appears to be firmly in the driver's seat yet again, all set for a third term as president. Who is Nicolas Maduro? Maduro was born into a working class Roman Catholic family in Caracas. His father was a prominent trade unionist. A bus driver by profession, Maduro was part of Hugo Chavez's United Socialist Party. Having risen through its trade union, he was elected to the country's parliament, the National Assembly, for the first time in 2000. Soon Maduro became the right hand man of Chavez, who was a fan of Che Guevera, and had led 'silent coups' to become president. The positions Maduro held over time include the president of National Assembly (2005-06) and foreign minister (2006-13) before becoming the vice president under Chavez (2012-13). Eventually after Chavez died of cancer, Maduro took charge as president in 2013, winning the special presidential election. Not a smooth ride for the former bus driver But power was not a smooth ride for the leader of the oil-rich country. Venezuela has been for years the site of political experimentations by the US, which saw it as part of the sphere of influence and was averse to a communist leadership in the country. Like it did in the case of Cuba and Chile, and numerous other Latin American countries during much of the Cold War era, the US tried to oust Maduro in a number of ways, including by supporting and propping up alternative leaders. Prominent among such leaders was the former speaker of the Venezuelan parliament Geaido. He was feted in the US and at one point gave a tough challenge to Maduro, but the socialist party machinery managed to weather that storm too. Also read | Venezuela election: President Nicolas Maduro wins third term, opposition rejects result Venezuela under Maduro: A nation under siege What could have been one of the richest nations due to its oil wealth, Venezuela continued to languish in poverty under Maduro. But his ground support among the working classes remained strong, something that helped him maintain a firm grip on power. Venezuela faced immense inflation, with its currency highly devalued, and natural resources like petroleum nationalised by the Maduro regime. Essential goods shortages had led many Venezuelans to flee the country, particularly to neighbouring Colombia. Under Maduro's regime, at least seven million people have fled the country and more than 20,000 people died in extrajudicial killings according to human rights observers. Watch | Venezuela Presidential Elections 2024: Incumbent Nicolas Maduro wins third term × Facing down the Opposition, the Maduro way Maduro has ruled with an iron fist, inspite of multiple protests challenging him. Those include the mainly middle class agitations in 2014. In 2015, the National Assembly was won by opposition parties, yet Maduro held on to power, with the so-called Supreme Tribunal, the National Electoral Council and the armed forces on his side. He quelled a recall effort in 2016, led by the speaker of the opposition-led National Assembly Juan Guaidó. He had done this by making the Supreme Tribunal remove the powers of the assembly, which had led to further protests in 2017. To solve the constitutional crisis created by this situation, Maduro made efforts to rewrite the constitution. At one point, there was even a strange situation of 'two presidents' in Venezuela. While Maduro was sworn in as president after the May 2018 presidential elections, the opposition-led National Assembly declared its leader Guaido as interim president. The tussle continued for four years, with Guaido explicitly backed by the US, which even invited him to the Congress. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's bus driver-turned-president, who won yet another term?

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Venezuela is set for an intense political battle between the ruling President Nicolas Maduro and the country's opposition Alliance. Voting will be held in the country on Sunday (July 28) and countries the world over are watching very closely to ensure that the election remains free and fair. Watch in for more details!

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