Venezuelan opposition protests as election dispute drags on

18/8/2024 6:26

        Venezuela's political opposition and its supporters gathered in cities around the country on Saturday to demand recognition of what
        they say is their candidate's resounding victory in a presidential vote nearly three weeks ago.
        
        The country's electoral authority, considered by the opposition to be an arm of the ruling party, has said President Nicolas Maduro won his third term in the July 28 contest, with just under 52% of the vote.
        
        But the opposition, led by former lawmaker Maria Corina Machado, has published online what it says are 83% of voting machine tallies, which give its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez a hearty 67% support.
        
        The disputed vote has thrown the economically-beleaguered nation into political crisis and a government crackdown on protests has led to at least 2,400 arrests. Clashes connected to the protests have also led to at least 23 deaths.