Maduro toughens stance with repression and arrests as opposition continues protests.
The international community has remained vigilant. Costa Rica offered asylum to opposition leaders, Peru recognized Edmundo González as President, Colombia called for a recount of votes, and Mexico aligned with Caracas.
Two days after the presidential elections in Venezuela, the situation is far from being resolved.
The publication of 100% of the vote tally sheets with the results has yet to occur, and more countries around the world are joining the call for their release.
The most recent leader to speak out was Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who had not previously addressed the process directly until this Tuesday.
The leftist leader, traditionally an ally of Hugo Chávez and Maduro, stated that the only way to “resolve the dispute” is for the authorities to present the tally sheets, something the opposition has done, claiming to have almost 80% of the ballots, which they say would give them the victory.
“How is this fight resolved? By presenting the tally sheets. If the tally is in doubt between the opposition and the current situation, the opposition will file a challenge and wait in the courts. And there will be a decision, which we must abide by,” he said in a television interview.
He added, “When they are presented and proven to be genuine, we all have an obligation to recognize the result.”
Lula also asserted that Maduro knows he needs transparency to bring calm and govern the country.
Since being officially declared the winner of the contest—despite suspicions of possible fraud—millions of citizens have taken to the streets, tearing down traditional Chavista symbols and fiercely clashing with the military, law enforcement, and so-called “armed collectives.”
At least 11 people have lost their lives, and more than 740 have been detained in protests demanding the recognition of Edmundo González’s victory.
Amid this context, marked by the detention of opposition leaders and citizens during the demonstrations, Maduro’s administration has asked the judiciary to investigate González and his political ally, former congresswoman María Corina Machado.
Washington has also stated that it is considering new sanctions against individuals linked to the elections unless there is greater transparency in the voting process.
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