MIAMI (WSVN) - South Florida’s Venezuelan community and public officials are reacting to the political unrest in the South American country following the presidential election, one day before a rally is set to be held in downtown Miami.
A peaceful protest and rally, planned for Saturday at Bayfront Park, come as tensions in Venezuela continue to rise. President Nicolás Maduro declared himself as the winner of Sunday’s presidential election, and now opposition leader María Corina Machado has gone into hiding after being threatened to be arrested by the regime.
“We will uncover and capture them all, and we will be victorious,” said Maduro during a public address.
The United States announced Thursday it is clear that Maduro lost the popular vote in the Venezuelan election. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said in a statement, “Now is the time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people.”
Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has since released a tally saying Maduro won by close to 52%.
A defiant Maduro pushed back Friday.
“We won, but those who had to see to believe already know what the truth is,” he said during a news conference. “They represent the violence and hate and desire for revenge. Protests, said and done. They represent the call for an international intervention.”
Meanwhile, Machado is in fear for her life. Cellphone video shared by her office shows Machado’s headquarters vandalized. The walls and doors were stained with black paint after, they said, they were ransacked by masked assailants.
In a video posted online, Machado called on all Venezuelans to protest on Saturday and fight for their country.
“We all won. Venezuela won,” she said in Spanish.
City commissioners at Miami City Hall viewed Machado’s message on Friday.
Commissioner Joe Carollo praised Machado for her courage and resolve.
“María Corina Machado is truly the wonder woman, the wonder woman of Venezuela, of the free world,” she said.
Carollo, elected officials and activists confirmed Saturday’s peaceful protest to stand in solidarity with the Venezuelans.
Venezuelan American activist Héctor Mujica addressed reporters on Friday.
“Sadly, what began as an election with a historic turnout, and potentially what could have been a beacon for democracy across the Americas,” he said.
As the unrest continues in Venezuela, hundreds of people have been arrested. At least 11 have been killed, including two minors, according to a human rights group in the country.
Venezuelan exiles in Miami said these people are not alone.
Some demonstrators who spoke with 7News at a rally held on Doral on Thursday pointed the finger at Maduro’s regime.
“They’re lying to everybody,” said a woman.
“There’s no way that they won this election,” said a man.
“I feel there was, I think, a great injustice,” said another man.
The following parking garages on or near Biscayne Boulevard will be available for people planning to attend Saturday’s rally, which is scheduled to start at 10 a.m.:
- Lot 19, Biscayne Boulevard, between East Flagler and Northeast Fifth streets, 280 spaces
- College Station Garage (G3), 190 NE 3rd St, 500-600 spaces
- James L. Knight Center Garage (G4), 100 SE 2nd St, 800 spaces
- Courthouse Center Garage (G1), 40 NW 3rd St, 600 spaces
Organizers are expecting hundreds of people to attend.
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