Protests in Venezuela mark a day of tension ahead of Maduro's reelection.

This Saturday, Venezuela finds itself at the epicenter of an intense day of protests against the re-election of Nicolás Maduro, in a context marked by increasing repression and widespread fear among the population. Opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for a mobilization on one of the most emblematic avenues in Caracas, but the specter of the 2017 repression, which left a tragic toll of over a hundred dead, looms over the demonstrators. The atmosphere is tense in light of Maduro's threats, as he has urged the opposition to remain in hiding. Despite the looming threat, Machado's call aims to gather dissatisfied citizens with the current political system. The environment is charged with uncertainty, as state security forces have shown a willingness to act violently against any attempt to protest. Repression has intensified since the National Electoral Council (CNE) proclaimed Maduro the winner of the elections with 52% of the votes, a result that the opposition and several governments in the region have labeled fraudulent. Maduro's response to the fraud accusations has been defiant. In a press conference, he disqualified the opposition, labeling it as "radical right, criminal, and violent," and denied any irregularities in the electoral process. However, opposition voices insist they have proof of the fraud, including a website with copies of voting records that they claim supports their position. Meanwhile, chavismo has dismissed these documents as forgeries. The climate of violence and repression has resulted in a tragic toll since the elections: at least 11 civilians and one military officer have died in the protests that followed the voting, in addition to over 1,200 arrests nationwide. Human rights organizations have denounced a "brutal repression" that has resulted in at least 20 deaths and 11 enforced disappearances. This situation has led the international community to express its concern and demand an end to the violence. The opposition headquarters in Caracas has also been targeted in attacks. Recently, a group of armed and masked men carried out a looting, while one of the perpetrators, journalist Roland Carreño, was arbitrarily detained. These acts of intimidation underscore the growing violence faced by the opposition in a context of increasing political polarization. Amid this turmoil, several Latin American countries have begun to recognize the victory of Edmundo González Urrutia, Machado's representative, thus dismissing the result proclaimed by the CNE. Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Panama have expressed their support for González Urrutia, who, according to the opposition, would have received 67% of the votes. This wave of international recognition has challenged the legitimacy of Maduro's regime. The United States has also joined this movement, with Antony Blinken, the head of U.S. diplomacy, stating that there is compelling evidence certifying González Urrutia's victory. This support reinforces the opposition's narrative and increases pressure on Maduro's government, which is becoming increasingly isolated on the international stage. In light of this situation, Maduro has thanked leaders from other countries in the region, such as Brazil and Colombia, for their efforts to seek a solution to the conflict. However, he continues to accuse Machado and González Urrutia of being the main instigators of an attempted coup and has warned of plans for violence during the protest called for today. Today’s day of demonstrations not only represents a struggle for democracy in Venezuela but also highlights the deep divide between two visions of the country. While the opposition cries out for change, Maduro's government clings to power, resulting in a climate of uncertainty and fear that permeates every corner of Venezuelan society. The international community watches closely, wondering what the next steps will be in this seemingly endless crisis.