Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado calls for the first time for mobilization against the re-election of Nicolas Maduro

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called for mobilization against the power of Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday evening, July 31, on X. The latter proclaimed himself the winner of the presidential election, while the opposition claims victory. “We have proposed to the regime to democratically accept its defeat (…) but it has chosen the path of repression, violence and lies. It is now up to all of us to assert the truth. Let us mobilize.”she writes. She emphasizes that the government refused “to begin negotiations to ensure a peaceful transition”.

Spontaneous demonstrations following the announcement of Nicolas Maduro’s re-election for a third six-year term were repressed by security forces. Since Monday, at least 11 civilians have been killed during the demonstrations, according to NGOs, while the opposition has reported 16 deaths. Around 750 people have been arrested, according to the prosecutor’s office. In response, President Nicolas Maduro threatened to imprison the two opposition leaders: “Mr. Gonzalez Urrutia, show your face, come out of hiding, don’t be a coward, Mrs. Machado (…) you have blood on your hands”did he declare.

For its part, the opposition had not called for a demonstration until now. Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, its candidate, had even estimated on Monday that the “demonstrations” of the day did not contribute to “the objective”However, Nicolas Maduro’s statements show that he does not intend to give up power and the opposition, which was counting on international pressure, has therefore changed its strategy.