Venezuelan gov’t praises controversial election condemned by opposition

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July 31 (UPI) — Venezuela’s controversial vote for a new constitutional assembly took place Sunday with praise from the ruling government and sharp criticism from its right-wing opposition, as well as several governments around the world, including the United States.

“Peace has won. If peace has won, Venezuela has won,” said National Electoral Council President Tibisay Lucena at a press conference. “Despite the violence and threats, Venezuelans were able to express themselves.”

Lucena said that 41 percent of eligible voters — more than 8 million people — voted in the election. But that number was rebuked by the opposition, which estimated only 2 million people voted, while an independent analysis put the number at 3.6 million.

There were several reports of violence in different parts of the country, resulting in seven deaths, including two teenagers and a soldier at protests in the western state of Tachira, two protesters in the western state of Merida and a 30-year-old youth opposition leader in the northeast town of Cumana, according to Al Jazeera.

Police in Caracas also appeared to have been attacked by a roadside bomb. Video circulated on social media show several police officers on motorcycles moving into an area when a large explosion takes place.

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