Anti-Maduro protests spread as Venezuelan opposition says he stole vote

Protesters run to take cover from tear gas as Venezuelan opposition supporters protest following the announcement by the National Electoral Council that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro won the presidential election, in Caracas, Venezuela July 29, 2024. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

CARACAS (Reuters) -Protests spread around Venezuela and police fired tear gas in the capital Caracas as the opposition said it had voting-tally proof it won a weekend election awarded to long-ruling socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

Demonstrations began after the election board, which critics say is in the pocket of a dictatorial government, declared on Monday that Maduro had won a third term with 51% of the vote, extending his "Chavista" movement's quarter-century rule.