Protests broke out across Venezuela on July 29, 2024, following a contentious election in which both President Nicolas Maduro and opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez declared victory. The Venezuelan Conflict Observatory reported over 180 protests in 20 of the country’s 23 states, with some demonstrations escalating into violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Paramilitary groups and security forces have been accused of carrying out acts of repression.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado announced at a press conference that her party had evidence showing Gonzalez had won with over twice as many votes as Maduro. However, Venezuelan election officials stated that Maduro secured a third six-year term with 51% of the vote. Both sides have called for their supporters to take to the streets.
The international community, including the United States and the United Nations, has called for transparency and the publication of the full vote tabulation. The U.S. has expressed concerns over the credibility of the election, with independent figures reportedly contradicting the official results. Under Maduro’s leadership, Venezuela has faced economic collapse, mass migration, and international sanctions, making this election critical for the country’s future.