Crisis in Venezuela: Protests from Chavismo and the opposition highlight national polarization.

The streets of Caracas and other cities in Venezuela became the scene of intense political activity this Saturday, with demonstrations organized by both the Chavismo and the opposition. This duality of mobilizations occurs in the context of a post-electoral crisis following the recent re-election of President Nicolás Maduro, a process marked by accusations of fraud and delegitimization. The polarization of the country has intensified, and the atmosphere is tense, with a heavy security presence in the areas where the marches are taking place. Nicolás Maduro was proclaimed re-elected by the National Electoral Council (CNE) with 52% of the votes, granting him a third term that will extend until 2031. However, opposition leader María Corina Machado has challenged this proclamation, claiming victory for her candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia. In an effort to support her claims, Machado has published copies of more than 80% of the voting records, which she asserts back her allegations of electoral fraud. This act is part of a call for mobilization that she considers historic and aims to highlight the opposition's resistance against what they describe as an illegitimate regime. "They try to scare us, to divide us," Machado expressed through the social network X, insisting on the need to maintain unity among the opposition. The call for protest extended beyond Venezuelan borders, reaching the diaspora that has left the country, which numbers around 8 million people. From the United States to Australia, Venezuelans abroad have organized marches in solidarity with the opposition cause. An organizer in Sydney, Kevin Lugo, emphasized the sense of unity that has emerged among migrants, reflecting the struggle for the recovery of their country. On the other hand, Chavismo also made its presence felt in the Venezuelan capital, with a call from Diosdado Cabello, a prominent leader of the ruling party, who urged his followers to take to the streets to celebrate what they call the victory of the Bolivarian revolution. This display of support for Maduro is presented as a response to the opposition's accusations, which claim that the government is behind an attempted coup. The tension is palpable in the atmosphere, where the demonstrations have been surrounded by a large security apparatus, with the National Guard and other security forces guarding strategic points, especially in popular areas that have been epicenters of recent protests. The situation is further complicated by the opposition's warnings about the repression they have faced in the days following the election, with reports of at least 25 deaths and more than 2,400 arrests. The government has labeled those detained as "terrorists," adding a layer of violence and fear to an already fragile political climate. Meanwhile, both Machado and González Urrutia are in hiding due to threats of arrest against them, after Maduro requested their imprisonment. The CNE, which has been criticized for its lack of transparency, has yet to publish a detailed count of the results, fueling speculation about the legitimacy of the election. Chavismo's claims, which disqualify the records published by the opposition as forged documents, contribute to the confusion surrounding the electoral process. This has led international bodies, such as the United States and the European Union, to disregard the official election results, increasing pressure on a government that is already isolated on the international stage. The situation has drawn the attention of regional leaders, such as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In an unexpected turn, Lula, who has traditionally been an ally of Maduro, has openly criticized the authoritarian nature of the Venezuelan government. This statement resonates in a context where Brazil and Colombia have been at the forefront of efforts to seek a peaceful solution to the crisis, although any proposal to repeat the elections has been dismissed by both Chavistas and opposition members. As the demonstrations unfold, it is clear that Venezuela is going through a crucial moment in its recent history. The polarization between Chavismo and the opposition is deep, and the future of the country appears uncertain. The streets, which are usually witnesses to daily life, have become a symbolic battleground where not only the present but also the future of the country is being debated. Amid the crisis, Venezuelans are calling for answers and solutions that seem increasingly elusive, as the echo of the demonstrations resonates in every corner of the country and beyond its borders.