Protests in Venezuela mark the struggle between chavismo and the opposition after controversial elections.

On a day marked by tension and polarization, both chavismo and the opposition in Venezuela took to the streets this Saturday in what is anticipated to be one of the most significant demonstrations in the context of the current post-electoral crisis. Almost three weeks after the elections in which Nicolás Maduro was proclaimed re-elected by the National Electoral Council (CNE) with 52% of the votes, accusations of electoral fraud have echoed strongly throughout the country, further dividing the population. Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who claims victory for her candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, has called for a "global protest for truth," with demonstrations scheduled not only in Caracas but in over 300 cities around the world. "It is a historic day," Machado stated, urging Venezuelans to remain steadfast and united against what she describes as a regime full of lies and violence. However, the atmosphere of the protest is not without risks. Authorities have deployed a large security operation in Caracas, especially in popular areas like Petare, where violent protests following the election have resulted in at least 25 deaths and over 2,400 arrests. The government's response has been to disqualify the demonstrators, labeling them as "terrorists." In light of this situation, both Machado and González Urrutia remain in hiding due to a criminal investigation opened against them, which includes charges of "instigation to rebellion." This climate of fear and repression has led many to express their frustration from exile; for instance, Kevin Lugo, a 28-year-old who organized a protest in Sydney, stated: "I feel the country is one now. We are one again." Chavismo, for its part, has also called for marches in support of Maduro, who has requested the Supreme Court to "certify" his election, amidst a context where his legitimacy has been questioned even by international organizations. Diosdado Cabello, one of the most influential leaders of chavismo, reaffirmed the decision to take to the streets to "celebrate the victory of the Bolivarian revolution." Meanwhile, the CNE continues to withhold detailed election results. According to their statements, the automated voting system was subject to a "cyber-terrorist attack," which has further fueled doubts about the transparency of the electoral process. In contrast, the opposition has begun to publish copies of more than 80% of the voting records, asserting that these records prove irregularities in the process. The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela, with countries such as the United States, the European Union, and several Latin American nations rejecting the election results. Brazil and Colombia have been at the forefront in seeking a political solution to the crisis, proposing a repeat of the elections, an idea that has so far been rejected by both chavismo and the opposition. Pressure on Maduro's government has increased, especially following statements from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has labeled Maduro as the leader of a "government with an authoritarian bias." This stance resonates in an environment where the regime's legitimacy is more questioned than ever, and where opposition voices have intensified. As the day progresses, images of marches in other cities, such as the Netherlands and Belgium, contribute to the narrative of an opposition seeking to internationalize its struggle for democracy in Venezuela. However, the heavy security presence and the threat of repression from the government create an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding the outcome of these demonstrations. The situation in Venezuela remains in a delicate balance, where the fight for truth and justice faces a regime that is increasingly clinging to power, disqualifying its opponents and trying to silence the voices calling for change. Today’s events could merely be the beginning of another chapter in the long saga of the Venezuelan crisis, where every march and every voice counts in the pursuit of a more hopeful and democratic future.