The leader of the Venezuelan opposition, María Corina Machado, called for protests "in every city" in the country against President Nicolás Maduro, reported AFP.
The oil-rich Latin American country has been plunged into a political crisis after Maduro was declared the winner of the presidential election, a result that defied pre-election polls and sparked global criticism.
"We must remain firm, organized and mobilized with the pride that we achieved a historic victory on July 28, and with the knowledge that in order to secure the victory, we will go all the way," Machado said on social media.
She previously wrote in The Wall Street Journal that she was in hiding and "fearing for her life" after Maduro's disputed victory, which led to hundreds of arrests following deadly protests this week.
Machado reiterated his claim that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia was the rightful winner, saying he had won "67% to 30%" based on results obtained from most polling stations in the country.
The National Electoral Council announced that Maduro won with 51% of the vote. Maduro said he had proof of his victory and was "ready to present 100 per cent of the records."
"You have blood on your hands," Maduro said, referring to Gonzalez Urrutia and Machado. "They should be behind bars."
Machado, who was barred from running in the election by institutions loyal to Maduro, said most opposition figures were now in hiding.
"I may be arrested as I write these words," she said, urging "those who reject authoritarianism and support democracy to join the Venezuelan people in our noble cause."
According to Machado, at least 20 people have died in the protests that have erupted since the election, and more than 1,000 people have been jailed. | BGNES
