The opposition calls on the army to stand by the people of Venezuela

 Latin America

The opposition calls on the army to stand by the people of Venezuela

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Karina Machado waves to supporters at a protest Photo: AFP

The main pillar of Nicola Maduro's government in Venezuela is the country's military. The opposition leaders called on the people to stand by their government instead of them. On Monday, they made a request to the army regarding the controversial election. However, the government of the country has said that the opposition leaders are being brought under criminal investigation for this reason.

Presidential elections were held in Venezuela on July 28. The country's National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner of the election. However, the opposition has alleged massive rigging of the election results. They rejected the election results.

Counselors say they have already started investigations against opposition leader Maria Karina Machado and presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. They will be investigated for declaring themselves victorious and opposing the government and inciting protests.

Meanwhile, the people have been demanding the release of detailed records of regional votes to establish that Maduro won the presidential election. The council said on Monday it had submitted all the documents to the high court, as requested by Maduro. However, they have not disclosed these publicly.

"We appeal to the army and police officers to stand by the people of the country and their families," the opposition said in a statement. Those who will fulfill their constitutional duties will be assured in the possible new government.

Opposition candidate Gonzalez Urrutia signed the statement. He urged the security forces to stop the crackdown on the opposition protesters.

"Army commanders are in league with Maduro and are trying to serve his nefarious interests," the statement said. But you represent the people. People exercised their franchise on July 28 and reflected their expectations. And you know that.

On the other hand, the counsels have given a counter statement in response to the statement of the opposition. It is said that the National Election Council has declared one winner in the presidential election. But the two opposition leaders declared their candidate as the winner against the constitution and law.

The opposition erupted in anger after Maduro was declared the winner of the election. Thousands of people took to the streets of various cities including Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Protesters clashed with security forces. A human rights organization says 11 people have been killed in the clashes so far. More than a thousand people have been arrested. However, opposition leader Maria Karina Machado claimed that at least 20 protesters were killed in the conflict.