New Delhi: Venezuelans have taken to the streets after the electoral authority officially declared President Nicolas Maduro the winner of an election that the opposition says was marred by fraud. At least 7 killed so far as protestors have turned violent in several cities.One of the poorest parts of the capital, Caracas-demonstrators shouted slogans against the president, and some masked young people tore down his campaign posters from lampposts. Footage showed tyres burning on highways and large numbers of people on the streets, with police on motorbikes firing tear gas. Tear gas used to disperse demonstrators Police were deployed in large numbers across the city, the National Guard members were seen to be firing tear gas to disperse demonstrators. There were also reports of pro-Maduro paramilitary groups firing at protesters. 🚨🇻🇪AT LEAST 7 KILLED SO FAR IN VENEZUELA PROTESTSThousands are protesting throughout the country, alleging Maduro rigged the election after he declared victory despite exit polls showing hed lost.Protests have turned violent in several cities as protesters, armed gangs, and… https://t.co/GZ8rT1BACz pic.twitter.com/bzmjBwoSP2— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 30, 2024Venezuelas govt announces temporary flights suspension Venezuelas government also announced a temporary suspension of commercial air flights to and from Venezuela with Panama and the Dominican Republic starting from 20:00 local time on Wednesday. Why they are protestingThousands of people descended on central Caracas on Monday evening. Protests erupted in the Venezuelan capital the day after President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory. The opposition has disputed Mr Maduros declaration as fraudulent, saying its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez won convincingly with 73.2% of the vote. Opinion polls ahead of the election suggested a clear victory for the challenger. Opposition parties had united behind Mr Gonzalez in an attempt to unseat President Maduro after 11 years in power, amid widespreas discontent over the countrys economic crisis.
