Venezuela's Election: Maduro Declared Winner Amidst Controversy

Incumbent president Nicolás Maduro has been declared the winner of the presidential election in Venezuela, according to the election authority. Maduro received a majority of 51.2% of the votes, while the leading opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, received 44.2%.

The election was marred by controversy, with allegations of fraud and irregularities. The opposition claimed victory and called for a recount of the votes.

International leaders expressed skepticism about the results and called for transparency. The United States raised concerns about the legitimacy of the election.

Spontaneous demonstrations broke out across Venezuela in protest of Maduro's win. The election results have triggered unrest in a country that has recently emerged from an economic collapse.

Security forces have used deadly force in the past to suppress protests. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013 and was re-elected in 2018 amid international criticism and sanctions, is widely blamed for the economic crisis and hyperinflation in the oil-rich country.

The election results have further deepened the political and economic crisis in Venezuela, leading to a mass exodus of Venezuelans seeking refuge abroad.