Political crisis in Venezuela after elections: Maduro faces fraud accusations.

The political situation in Venezuela has reached a critical point following the presidential elections on July 28, in which Nicolás Maduro's government proclaimed its victory, despite accusations of fraud from the opposition. This climate of tension has been exacerbated by a troubling increase in the number of arrests of opponents, raising international concern, including statements from Pope Francis, who has urged moderation and dialogue to resolve the crisis. Since election day, the National Electoral Council (CNE) announced that Maduro had won, but it has not presented the official results to support this claim. In contrast, the opposition has made public about 80% of the voting records, which, according to their analyses, favor the unitary candidate, Edmundo González. This imbalance in information has triggered a series of popular mobilizations, both in favor of and against the government, highlighting a growing polarization in Venezuelan society. Pope Francis, in his Angelus prayer, expressed great concern for the "critical situation" in Venezuela, urging all parties involved to "seek the truth" and to avoid violence. His call resonates amid a climate where the detention of opponents has become common, with more than 2,000 arrests already reported by the authorities. In this context, the religious leader emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the people over political interests. Meanwhile, from the United States, Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer reiterated his government's position on González's victory, stating that "there must be a democratic transition" in Venezuela. Finer added that the international community is working on a coalition with countries in the region, such as Brazil, to promote this change, noting that instability could escalate if the arrests continue. European leaders have also raised their voices, condemning the arrests of opponents and calling for respect for the rights of all Venezuelans, especially those leading the opposition. In their statement, countries such as France, Spain, Germany, and Italy demanded an end to repression and the release of "political prisoners." This international pressure highlights the growing concern over the lack of legitimacy of the electoral process and the repression of dissent in Venezuela. For its part, the opposition community, led by figures like María Corina Machado, has called for massive mobilizations in Caracas to show their rejection of the electoral results and the government's repression. Machado, who has expressed fear for her safety, has become a symbol of resistance, while González, although he has maintained a low profile, is considered the true winner by a significant portion of the population. The electoral crisis has created an atmosphere of uncertainty in the country, where law enforcement has been accused of carrying out arbitrary arrests under the justification of maintaining order. Repression has intensified, generating fears of a broader conflict if an effective dialogue between the government and the opposition is not achieved. Amid this chaos, international organizations such as the Organization of American States have called for peace and democratic coexistence, while the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has demanded the immediate release of those arrested without justification. This context has led several countries, including the United States and various Latin American nations, to recognize González as the legitimate winner of the elections. The attitude of Maduro's government and its lack of transparency regarding the electoral results have only increased suspicions about the validity of its mandate. International pressure is intensifying, while Venezuelan citizens continue to face uncertainty, confronting an uncertain future that could lead to greater social discontent and, potentially, a significant change in the country's political direction. The situation in Venezuela reflects the complexity of the democratic challenges in the region. With the international community watching closely, the outcome of this crisis could define not only the future of the country but also set a precedent for the rest of Latin America, where democracy and human rights are, more than ever, at stake.