Despite widespread allegations of voting irregularities and fraud, Venezuelan electoral authorities have declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner of Sunday’s presidential election. The announcement has triggered widespread protests and violent clashes between citizens and pro-government paramilitaries across the country.
The Past 24 Hours
In the past 24 hours, nation-wide protests have sparked across Venezuela following the declaration of Nicolás Maduro as the winner of the presidential election. Exit polls indicated that opposition candidate Edmundo González won with over 65% of the vote, but the National Electoral Council announced Maduro’s victory with 51%.
International observers were barred from entering the country, and there were reports on social media of armed men storming voting locations and taking ballot boxes. Protests erupted in Caracas and other major cities, with paramilitary groups, known as Colectivos, shooting at protesters amid Maduro’s order for popular mobilization.
Clashes with the Bolivarian National Guard of Venezuela (GNB) and police have resulted in numerous injuries and an unknown number of deaths. In the poor areas of Caracas, local narcos who have previously benefited from the government’s lax policy on drug trafficking have started to attack and ambush pro-Maduro militias in defense of protesters.
The Current Situation
At the time of writing, protesters continue to gather in major cities, demanding the annulment of the election results. Government forces and pro-regime paramilitaries are actively trying to suppress the demonstrations, leading to countless violent clashes.
Videos continue to circulate showing citizens participating in anti-regime demonstrations, with recent footage depicting Venezuelans toppling statues of former President and United Socialist Party leader Hugo Chávez, as well as tearing down signage and other pro-regime materials.
In Caracas, security forces are deploying tear gas to disperse crowds near the Presidential Palace. Footage shows Colectivos firing shots at protesters in front of the Basilica Santa Capilla.
The Next 24 Hours
The opposition has called for a nationwide strike and further rallies. There is a possibility of increased violence as both sides expect continued confrontation.
Venezuelan regime leader Nicolás Maduro addressed the nation, stating, “We know their modus operandi. I warned people that their true plan was a so-called color revolution. But we have seen this movie before. We know how to face this situation, and we know how to defeat the violence.” Signaling an intention to stamp out any protests or attempts at overthrowing the government.
Details
The election saw allegations of widespread irregularities, with the National Electoral Council (CNE) announcing Maduro’s victory with 51% of the vote, despite exit polls indicating a different outcome. Armed Colectivos, far-left Venezuelan paramilitary groups that support the Bolivarian government, have been reported shooting at protesters amid Maduro’s order for popular mobilization and activation of security forces to end protests.
Colectivos are far-left Venezuelan armed paramilitary groups that support the Bolivarian government, the Great Patriotic Pole political alliance, and Venezuela’s ruling party, the United Socialist Party. These groups have previously been involved in enforcing government policies and suppressing opposition through intimidation and violence.
#Venezuela 🇻🇪: Armed members of “Colectivos” (Pro-Government militias) released a new video from #Caracas to support Nicolás Maduro.
Members are carrying Glock pistol with MCK Micro Conversion Kit Gen 2 (ACOG sight and drum mag as well), IMI Mini Uzi submachine gun and pistols. pic.twitter.com/rilgyONs84
— War Noir (@war_noir) July 30, 2024
In the poorer areas of Caracas, local narcos, who have often benefited from Maduro’s lax policies on drug trafficking, have started to attack and ambush pro-Maduro militias attempting to persecute protesters in their territories.
There have been reports of multiple organized-criminal groups across the country declaring opposition to the ruling party. “Tren del Llano,” a criminal group operating Guárico state, released a video message warning government forces to stop repressing the people of Guárico and threatened armed intervention. Following the initial message, the group reportedly attacked a police station and tore down Nicolás Maduro posters. The gunmen were reportedly armed with multiple 7.62x39mm AK-103 rifles, which are possibly former Venezuelan Army or CAVIM weapons.
🇻🇪 #Venezuela: The organized crime syndicate “Tren del Llano”has released a video from Guarico State threatening Venezuelan politicians and security forces. Similar statements have been published by a number of criminal groups throughout Venezuela as clashes over Nicolas Maduro’s… pic.twitter.com/6C7UEh7hHI
— POPULAR FRONT (@PopularFront_) July 30, 2024
In the Capital city of Caracas, government security forces equipped with VN-4 armored vehicles moved toward Plaza O’Leary while clashes between protesters and security forces have escalated as demonstrations continue. Protesters have burned down several police checkpoints and government buildings, and have removed numerous political monuments. Unconfirmed reports have stated that some protesters have seized firearms from law enforcement and other agencies. This is particularly significant given Venezuela’s stringent gun laws that restrict most citizens from owning firearms.
Developing: There is a significant movement taking place in Venezuela following yesterday’s presidential election, which many are claiming was rigged.
Video from across the country shows civilians taking to the streets, tearing down pro-Maduro signs, destroying a statue of the… pic.twitter.com/nNRlzGs37A
— Real News No Bullshit (@NewsNotBs) July 29, 2024
Videos are also circulating showing some Venezuelan military personnel greeting and cheering with protesters instead of confronting them. New footage also reveals some National Guard members joining the protesters.
🚨🇻🇪 | URGENT: Some National Guard soldiers are greeting Venezuelan protesters against Maduro instead of repressing them. The rupture that will lead to the fall of the tyrant Nicolás Maduro is taking place. 🇻🇪🚨 #VenezuelaLibre pic.twitter.com/R7BeOJ30Br
— Asarpost (@asarpost) July 30, 2024
Background and Context
Nicolás Maduro has been in power since the death of his predecessor, Hugo Chávez, in 2013. If inaugurated again, it will mark his third consecutive six-year term, continuing the era of “Chavismo,” the left-wing populist ideology established by Chávez. Chávez’s leadership focused on nationalization and the redistribution of Venezuela’s vast oil wealth to the country’s poorest communities, while constantly resisting perceived “imperialist” threats.
Despite its oil riches, Venezuela has undergone one of the most severe economic collapses in peacetime history. Corruption, mismanagement, and the decline in oil prices have devastated the nation’s economy, leading to severe shortages of essential goods and skyrocketing inflation. As a result, millions of Venezuelans have fled the country, with the current estimate standing at around 8 million. The mass exodus includes thousands who have journeyed to the U.S. southern border in search of better opportunities.
Hyperinflation has rendered the Venezuelan currency nearly worthless, forcing many citizens to find alternative sources of income. According to The Economist, a significant number of Venezuelans have turned to “virtual gold farming” in online games such as RuneScape and Tibia. By selling virtual currency, they can often earn more than the national minimum wage.
Maduro’s promise of fair and free elections has been overshadowed by allegations of electoral fraud. Opposition figures have been arrested, key leaders banned from participating, media outlets censored, and overseas Venezuelans largely disenfranchised.
The United States, European nations like the United Kingdom and Spain, and several Latin American countries have refused to recognize the election results, citing serious concerns over their legitimacy. In contrast, Maduro’s allies, including China, Cuba, Iran, and Russia, have quickly congratulated him on his victory.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei declared, “DICTATOR MADURO OUT. Argentina will not recognize another fraud,” while Chilean President Gabriel Boric stated, “The Maduro regime must understand that the results they have published are difficult to believe. Chile will not recognize any results that cannot be verified.” In response to these concerns, Uruguay, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and the Dominican Republic have called for an emergency meeting with the Organization of American States (OAS) to demand a thorough review of the election results.
Extended Cut: Compilation of videos coming out of Venezuela
Protesters dragging a statue of Hugo Chavez through the street.
🚨🇻🇪 Statue of Chávez Dragged Through Streets By Venezuelan Protesters
Protesters in Venezuela dragged a toppled statue of Hugo Chávez through the streets, voicing their anger against Maduro and alleged election fraud.#Venezuela #Maduro pic.twitter.com/Fabqv2mbWm
— AnyNews (@AnyNewsNow) July 30, 2024
Protesters chase down Bolivarian National Guardsman
Protesters chase down Venezuela National Guard (GNB) unit near the Mariot Hotel in Caracas before then stealing their bike and beating the officers.
— Jackson Brom (@jackmore2211) July 29, 2024
Protesters clashing with security forces in the streets of Caracas
Full-scale battle taking place on the streets of Caracas right now!#VenezuelaLibre 🇻🇪
Via @EmmaRincon pic.twitter.com/xNTbKL8PkU
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) July 30, 2024
Pro-Maduro militia groups firing at protesters in the streets
🇻🇪🇻🇪💥 — Armed Chavista collectivos sent by Maduro are shooting at people in downtown Caracas. Reports of several gunshot injuries.#Venezuela pic.twitter.com/uKaKCrC5Bp
— Md Badrul Hasan 🇧🇩🇧🇩 (@MdBadrulHasan16) July 29, 2024
