at a mass rally in the capital Caracas, where opposition leaders insisted they had the numbers for a convincing victory. Mr. Maduro said the opposition would be held responsible for "criminal violence... the wounded, the dead, the destruction" associated with protests. The opposition rejects the authorities' assertion that Mr. Maduro won with 51% of votes compared to 44% for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. Independent polls had predicted retired diplomat Gonzalez Urrutia, 74, would win by a wide margin. 'Exceptional manipulation'Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said Mr. Maduro had the "absolute loyalty and unconditional support" of the armed forces and vowed to "preserve internal order."

Source: The Hindu July 31, 2024 19:23 UTC