Thousands of people protest results of presidential election in streets in Venezuela

Shortly after the National Electoral Council, which is loyal to Maduro's ruling party, announced that he won a third six-year term, enraged protesters began marching through the streets of Caracas and other Venezuelan cities.

In the capital, the protests were largely peaceful, but clashes erupted when dozens of police officers in riot gear blocked the march. The police used tear gas to disperse the protesters, some of whom threw stones and other objects at the officers.

Maduro claimed that Venezuela is once again facing a fascist and counter-revolutionary coup attempt.

“We already know this movie, and this time, there will be no kind of weakness,” he added, saying that Venezuela’s “law will be respected.”

There were no comments from the opposition, which had promised to defend its votes. Opposition leaders were scheduled to hold a press conference later in the day.

Some protesters attempted to block highways, including the one connecting the capital with the port city where the country’s main international airport is located.

Officials postponed the release of detailed vote counts from Sunday’s election after declaring Maduro the winner with 51% of the vote, compared to 44% for retired diplomat Edmundo González.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his opposition rival Edmundo González both claimed victory in the presidential election following the July 28 vote, which was marked by allegations of manipulation and isolated instances of violence.

According to an exit poll by Edison Research, known for its US election studies, González was reported to have received 65% of the vote, while Maduro secured 31%.

Local firm Meganalisis had forecast that González would receive 65% of the vote and Maduro slightly less than 14%.