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Venezuelan Protests Erupt Over Disputed Election Result

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Venezuelan Protests Erupt Over Disputed Election Result

In Venezuela, protests have erupted following a controversial election result, leading to clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The protests began after President Nicolás Maduro declared victory in Sunday’s election, a result disputed by the opposition, which claims its candidate, Edmundo González, won with 73.2% of the vote.

On Monday evening, thousands of people marched through the streets of Caracas, including many from surrounding slums, converging near the presidential palace. Demonstrators chanted “freedom, freedom!” and called for the government to step down. The protestors were met with a strong police and military presence, as security forces deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Protesters burned tires, cars, and trash, while also tearing down and burning posters of President Maduro.

The opposition, which had united behind González, had anticipated a clear victory based on opinion polls prior to the election. Their movement was fueled by widespread discontent over Venezuela’s ongoing economic crisis during Maduro’s 11-year tenure.

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President Maduro addressed the nation on state television, accusing the opposition of attempting a coup by disputing the election results. “We are all under the obligation to listen to the truth,” he stated, adding that the government knows how to handle and defeat such “violent” attempts.

In response to the unrest, the Venezuelan government announced a temporary suspension of commercial flights to and from Panama and the Dominican Republic, effective Wednesday evening. The Attorney General warned that any legal violations during the protests would be prosecuted, and 32 people have been detained for alleged electoral and violent offenses.

International response has been significant, with numerous Western and Latin American nations, as well as international organizations like the UN, urging the Venezuelan government to release detailed voting records. Argentina has refused to recognize Maduro’s victory, prompting Venezuela to recall its diplomats from Buenos Aires. Similar actions have been taken with Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay, due to what Venezuela’s Foreign Affairs Minister described as “interventionist actions and statements.”

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The United States has expressed concerns over the election results, citing discrepancies between announced outcomes and independent data. While U.S. officials have not outlined any changes to their sanctions policy towards Venezuela, they emphasized the need for transparency in the electoral process.

The Organization of American States (OAS) has called for a meeting of its permanent council on Wednesday to address the situation in Venezuela, signaling the broader regional implications of the disputed election.

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Politics

Sri Lanka swears in new left-leaning president

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Sri Lanka swears in new left-leaning president

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new president, pledging to bring “clean” governance as the country continues to recover from its deepest economic crisis. The left-leaning leader, known for his stance against corruption, sees his election as a call for change and transparency in a country long troubled by political cronyism.

Dissanayake’s election follows the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 after mass protests driven by economic hardships. In his inaugural address, the 55-year-old president emphasized the need for a new political culture that restores public trust. “We need to establish a new clean political culture,” he said, while committing to safeguard democracy.

His speech underscored the importance of unity, with representatives from Sri Lanka’s Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities attending the ceremony. Dissanayake promised good governance, economic reform, and a focus on manufacturing, agriculture, and IT development. He also pledged to uphold Sri Lanka’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aiming to reduce the burden of austerity on the country’s poorest citizens.

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Dissanayake’s swearing-in was preceded by the resignation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, setting the stage for a parliamentary dissolution as the nation embarks on this new political chapter.

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Okpebholo Secures Victory in Edo Governorship Election

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Okpebholo Secures Victory in Edo Governorship Election

Okpebholo Monday, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been declared the winner of the Edo State governorship election after receiving 291,667 votes. He defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 247,274 votes, and Labour Party (LP) candidate Olumide Akpata, who finished third with 22,761 votes. Fourteen other candidates also contested but received fewer votes.

Prof. Faruk Kuta, the Returning Officer from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, officially declared Okpebholo the winner at 09:27 pm at the collation center in Benin City, Edo State’s capital, amidst applause from APC supporters.

Okpebholo’s victory was dominant in over 10 out of the state’s 18 local government areas, while Ighodalo achieved marginal wins in the remaining councils. The APC also claimed control in two of the three key senatorial districts in Edo State.

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Suspect in Alleged Trump Assassination Attempt Faces Gun Charges

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Suspect in Alleged Trump Assassination Attempt Faces Gun Charges

Ryan Routh, the suspect in the alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, has been charged with federal gun crimes. During a brief court hearing in Palm Beach, the 58-year-old was charged with two offences: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years, and possession of a firearm with an obstructed serial number, punishable by up to five years.

Routh, dressed in a blue prison jumpsuit and with his hands cuffed, spoke to a public defender for several minutes before the hearing began. Initially displaying a calm demeanor with occasional smiles, he turned expressionless once the court proceedings got underway, responding to the judge’s questions with, “Yes, your honor.”

In a series of personal questions to assess his eligibility for a public defender, Routh revealed that he had “zero funds” in his bank account, made about $3,000 monthly, and owned two trucks in Hawaii, each valued at around $1,000.

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Routh was brought into the courtroom just before 10:00 (14:00 GMT) and observed the scene, which included other defendants, press members, and attendees. After his brief hearing, he was escorted out as proceedings for other cases began.

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