2024-08-04 19:01:37
Hundreds of people protested in Caracas’ working-class neighborhoods on Monday against the controversial re-election of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, AFP journalists reported.
“And it will fall, and it will fall, this government will fall!” protesters shouted under the rain in the huge Petare slum, the largest in Caracas. “Hand over power now!” others exclaimed.
The slogans were replaced by the slogan “Freedom, freedom!” that characterized the opposition campaign, which rejected Maduro’s re-election and denounced fraud.
Several countries, including the United States, Brazil and Colombia, also questioned the election.
The protesters – mostly young people – also burned posters with Maduro’s face to promote his candidacy. They carried flags, pots and pans and drums to accompany their protest cries.
“We closed our businesses and started protesting. We feel disappointed. This does not reflect reality. We voted against Nicolás,” said an angry 21-year-old shopkeeper Carolina Rojas.
“We went out because there was fraud,” said another protester who only gave his name as David, 40. “They are calling in the army but we have to protest.”
In Catia, another popular sector on the other side of the city, another demonstration was recorded, closely monitored by police and riot police from the National Guard.
The protests began in the morning and became more intense throughout the day.
In parallel, Maduro was officially proclaimed by the pro-government National Electoral Council. According to the first bulletin, Maduro won with 51% of the votes against Edmundo González, candidate of the main opposition coalition in Venezuela, with 44%.
“Let no one try to disrupt the country… peace for Venezuela,” declared Maduro, in power since 2013, who warned of a “bloodbath” if the opposition wins.
ba-jt/mar
© Agence France-Presse
