Clashes erupted between protesters and police near the Miraflores Palace, the official residence of Venezuela’s president in Caracas, according to The Tiempo. Demonstrators were seen establishing barricades and setting vehicles and construction debris ablaze on major thoroughfares, as powerfully tense scenes unfolded in the capital.
Groups masked with face coverings and armed with firearms roamed the streets, contributing to a volatile urban atmosphere that drew international attention. At the moment, there is no verified casualty figure, and smoke hung over the western sectors of the city as riots intensified, disrupting daily life for residents and commuters alike.
In related political developments, opposition figure Maria Corina Machado and presidential hopeful Edmundo Gonzalez held a press conference the day before, asserting victory with a reported vote total exceeding six million. The officialvote tally published by the National Electoral Council (CNE) placed Nicolas Maduro as the elected president in the July 28 election, while the opposition said it would “defend the truth.” More than 21 million people were registered to vote. The CNE reported that with approximately 80% of ballots counted, Maduro had 5,150,092 votes (about 51.20%), and Edmundo Gonzalez trailed with 4,445,978 votes (around 44%).
Earlier tensions included a recall by Venezuela of diplomats from several Latin American countries, signaling broader regional reactions to the political climate and electoral process in the country. Analysts note that the events reflect a polarized electorate and ongoing disputes over electoral legitimacy, with the public and international observers watching closely how authorities respond in the coming days. The situation remains fluid as authorities work to restore order and provide clear information to the public about any casualties, arrests, or curfews that may be enacted. Attribution: The Tiempo and local electoral observers.”