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Venezuelans have taken to the streets after the electoral authority officially declared President Nicolas Maduro the winner of an election that the opposition says was marred by fraud. Protests have erupted across the country, with demonstrators even toppling a statue of Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chavez, in the state of Falcon. In the Petare area, demonstrators shouted slogans against the president, and some tore down his campaign posters. Police and National Guard were deployed to disperse the crowds.

The National Electoral Council (CNE) confirmed Maduro’s re-election, but opposition leaders claim voter fraud. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated they had proof of a different winner, Edmundo Gonzalez. Despite this, Maduro claimed an attempt of a coup d’etat was being made and vowed to uphold the law. Angered Venezuelans took to the streets, demanding transparency and calling the results into question.

Election observers and foreign leaders have urged Venezuela to release a breakdown of the results. The UN Secretary-General has called for transparency and peaceful resolution of any disputes. The Carter Center, an electoral observer, has also called for the release of the voting results for verification.

Protests continued in major cities, including Caracas, leading to calls for an emergency meeting of the Organization of American States by nine Latin American countries. Panama announced the halt of diplomatic relations with Venezuela until a review of the election records is conducted. Responses from other governments in the region varied, with left-wing leaders demanding transparency and verification of the results. In response to the international outcry, Maduro announced the withdrawal of diplomats from seven Latin American countries. The situation remains tense as Venezuelans and international observers push for clarity and fair election practices.

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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com