A power struggle is raging in Venezuela after the controversial presidential election. The opposition leader says she fears for her life – her party complains of an attack on the campaign office.
Following the disputed presidential election in Venezuela, armed men attacked the opposition leader's campaign office, according to government opponents. Six masked men with firearms overpowered the security guards and ransacked the offices of María Corina Machado in Caracas, the opposition party Vente Venezuela reported on X.
According to the report, they smeared the walls, destroyed the doors and stole equipment and documents. “We denounce the attacks and insecurity we are subjected to for political reasons,” the statement said.
Recognize USA Opposition as election winner
After Sunday's election, the pro-government electoral authority declared authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, the winner. However, it has not yet published the detailed results for the individual voting districts.
The opposition accuses the government of electoral fraud and claims victory for its candidate Edmundo González Urrutia. The USA has already recognised the ex-diplomat's victory. The EU, the Organisation of American States and a number of Latin American states also doubt the official election result.
Deaths and arrests during protests
Maduro accused the opposition of plotting against him and planning a coup together with the US. González and Machado belonged in prison. Machado wrote in an article for the US newspaper Wall Street Journal that she was in hiding and feared for her freedom and her life.
In recent days, numerous people in the South American country have protested against Maduro and the official election results. According to the non-governmental organization Foro Penal, at least eleven demonstrators were killed. According to official figures, the police arrested more than 1,200 people.
Nevertheless, the opposition wants to take to the streets again nationwide on Saturday. Machado called for rallies against Maduro “in all cities across the country.”
