TULSA, Okla. — After holding its presidential election July 28, the government of Venezuela declared Nicolás Maduro to be the winner.
The victory green lights a third consecutive term in office for the self-proclaimed socialist, but this election, more than previous ones, is surrounded by controversy.
2 News previously covered the Tulsa-area Venezuelan community's hopes for the election Sunday, as hundreds met to pray at a local church:
Local Venezuelan community members said the victory for Maduro doesn't make any sense.
Carolina Mariños is the owner of "El Arepaso" in Tulsa and echoed opposition sentiment that Sunday's election results were fraudulent. Mariños and her daughter, Elena Hart Murillo, know the country needs a different regime in order to truly benefit citizens.
"You know, everybody is just ready for a change," said Murillo. "It’s been over ten years since we’ve gotten to see our family in Venezuela just because of how bad the situation has been. It’s just unsafe to travel."
She said the country is extremely dangerous, and prices for everything soared.
"You risk getting kidnapped, you risk getting killed for something as simple as your phone."
Venezuelan dancer Jeorkeliz Calderon said this isn't the first time the government stole the election from the public. However, she knows Venezuelan nationals, both in Venezuela and the United States, are striving to make a difference.
Mariños said now more than ever, hope is not lost, and everyone just needs to keep fighting through protest. Her daughter agreed and said it's important to make sure that everyone's voice is heard.
ESPAÑOL: Una versión de esta historia en Español esta disponible aquí
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