Venezuela: Security forces use tear gas & rubber bullets to disperse protesters demonstrating against results of contentious election

In Venezuela, security forces have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters demonstrating against the results of contentious elections. Thousands of individuals, including many who had travelled long distances from the surrounding mountain slums, gathered in central Caracas and marched towards the presidential palace yesterday evening. The unrest followed President Nicolás Maduro’s announcement of his electoral victory. The opposition, however, has contested Maduro’s claim, asserting that their candidate, Edmundo González, won decisively with a higher vote percentage. Prior to the election, opinion polls had indicated a clear lead for González.