Nicolas Maduro, the current president, was declared the winner by the national electoral body, securing a third six-year term in power.
Gonzalez and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado claimed to supporters that they had access to over 70% of the ballots from the contentious election, proving that Gonzalez had defeated Maduro.
“I address you with the serenity of veracity,” Mr. Gonzalez declared. “Your vote from yesterday stated your desire, and it will be honored. The tally sheets that show our win are in our hands.
Shortly later, irate demonstrators were spotted in Venezuelan streets.
which supports Mr. Maduro’s ruling party, formally proclaimed Mr. Maduro the victor with 51% of the vote to Mr. Gonzalez’s 44%.
When several police in riot gear obstructed the protests and deployed tear gas to scatter the protestors, a fight broke out in the capital city of Caracas.
A few demonstrators tossed Molotov bombs and stones at the police.
