Venezuelans across the globe have responded to a call from their country’s political opposition to defend their claim of victory in last month’s disputed presidential election. The rallies, held in cities such as Tokyo, Sydney, Mexico City, and others, aimed to make visible what the opposition insists is the real outcome of the election. They also called upon governments to throw their support behind candidate Edmundo Gonzalez and express solidarity with Venezuelans who are fearful of speaking against Mr. Maduro and his allies due to a brutal repression campaign.
As thousands of Venezuelans waved the national flag, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado made her way through the streets of Caracas on a truck while shouting “brave” and “freedom”. She declared it was the moment “that every vote is respected” and called on the world to recognize Edmundo Gonzalez as the president-elect. Thousands cheered as she spoke, echoing her sentiments.
In Mexico City’s Monument to the Revolution, hundreds of people, young and old, loudly repeated the chants for “Freedom, freedom” and “Maduro out, Maduro out” as passing motorists sounded their horns. The protesters insisted that the opposition candidate comfortably won the vote, citing tally sheets obtained from electronic voting machines after polls closed.
Venezuelans Unite for Freedom and Democracy Worldwide (Image via Getty)
The Venezuelan National Electoral Council, whose members are loyal to the ruling party, declared Mr. Maduro the winner of the July 28 election hours after polls closed. However, the opposition has revealed that they obtained more than 80% of the vote in tally sheets issued by every electronic voting machine, showing Gonzalez won by a wide margin.
Mexico’s government has been criticized by some protesters for not participating in a recent hearing of the Organisation of American States focused on Venezuela’s election crisis. The opposition has consistently expressed the need for international help to get Mr. Maduro to accept the unfavourable results of the election.
Venezuelans are fearful of speaking against Mr. Maduro and his allies due to a brutal repression campaign. Security forces have rounded up more than 2,000 people for demonstrating against Mr. Maduro or casting doubt on his claim he won a third term. Another 24 have been killed, according to Venezuela-based human rights group Provea.
