Caracas erupts in protests following the results of controversial elections.

The atmosphere in Caracas is charged with tension and disillusionment following the controversial results of the elections in which Nicolás Maduro has achieved re-election. The sound of pots and pans echoes in the streets, an expression of discontent that resonates from the apartments and buildings that color the Venezuelan capital. The citizens' reaction has been visceral, with tears and screams that reveal the deep frustration at what they consider an electoral fraud. A neighbor among the crowd, who has requested to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, described election night as a moment of helplessness. "They took almost until one in the morning to announce false results," she comments, shaking a horn that reflects the patriotic colors of Venezuela. Her statement illustrates the feelings of many who, disappointed by the announcement from the National Electoral Council, have chosen to express their discontent in the streets. The CNE awarded Maduro 51% of the votes, compared to 44% for Edmundo González, the candidate from the opposition coalition. However, the opposition has labeled the electoral process as a "fraud like never before." This feeling of being robbed is echoed in the voices of the citizens, who feel stripped of their right to choose. "They stole from us," cries a motorcyclist as he passes by the group of protesters banging their pots in protest. Businesses in the city center have reacted in various ways. Some chose to close, reflecting the atmosphere of discouragement that has taken hold of merchants and their families. "My family stayed home crying," recounts a fast-food restaurant owner, revealing that the impact of the political situation also extends to the economic and emotional realms of the population. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, is now in a position where he could govern until 2031, surpassed only in duration by the dictator Juan Vicente Gómez. The prolongation of his mandate has generated a sense of hopelessness among those yearning for change in the country. In this context, voices of indignation multiply, and many wonder whether they should stay and fight or seek new opportunities abroad. Repression is also a constant concern. Many citizens choose to protest from their balconies, fearful of the groups that could act against them. The situation is complicated when the same protesters recount threats and acts of intimidation they have experienced up close. "A guy passed by and made a gesture with his neck to tell us we're going to die," recounts Jenny Gil, who risked going out to express her discontent. Edmundo González, a representative of the opposition, has stated that all rules were violated during the electoral process. He asserts that the results do not reflect the will of the people and that, in fact, the opposition declared itself victorious with 70% of the votes. The political disqualification of María Corina Machado, an opposition leader, has left many without a voice to cling to in this crucial moment. In the protests, personal stories intertwine with the political struggle. Janeth Carabaño, who returned to Venezuela after years abroad, feels particularly outraged at what she considers a theft of her vote. "It can't be that they steal my vote so shamelessly," she says, with the metallic sound of pots resonating around her. Her story reflects the hope of those who have returned to their country in search of change, only to find themselves faced with a discouraging reality. Desperation is also expressed through symbolic actions, such as a group of young people climbing a pole to tear down a poster of Maduro. The indignation is palpable, and the conviction that the fight must continue is present in every corner of the city. "When I heard the results, I started crying, indignant," shares Carabaño, who is manifesting for a better future for her children and her grandchild. In a country where hope has become a scarce commodity, the streets of Caracas are filled with voices crying out for justice and transparency. The situation in Venezuela is complex and heartbreaking, but the discontent of the population is a reminder that, despite fear and repression, the struggle for change remains alive.