The disputed vote has thrown the economically beleaguered nation into a political crisis, and a government crackdown on protests has led to at least 2,400 arrests. Clashes connected to the protests have also led to at least 23 deaths.

The international community has offered a raft of suggestions for overcoming the election crisis, including a new vote, but most have been rejected outright by both the ruling party and the opposition.

In the capital, Caracas, thousands gathered in the eastern part of the city along its main thoroughfare.

Standing on a truck in the center of the crowd, opposition leader Machado called for independent, international verification of the election and for her supporters to stay in the streets.

"There is nothing above the voice of the people and the people have spoken," she said.

President Maduro has presided over economic collapse, with a loss of more than 73% of Venezuela's gross domestic product since 2013, according to researchers from the Institute of Superior Administration Studies in Caracas.

At Miraflores Palace after a march in support of the government, Maduro promised 8% growth this year and railed against international critics and the opposition.

The opposition is still pushing for recognition of its victory, but its options are narrowing as international attention moves elsewhere.

Many Western countries have urged full publication of results, while Russia, China and others have congratulated Maduro on his victory.

The U.S., which hardened oil sanctions in April on the OPEC member for what it said was Maduro's failure to comply with a deal on electoral conditions, and other Western countries are showing little sign of swift, tough action over what many of them have condemned as voting fraud.


Voice of America Journal is the state-owned news network and international radio broadcaster of the United States of America.