Mr Maduro accused the opposition of calling for a coup by contesting the results. “What we face today is not the first time,” he said.
“They are trying to carry out another coup in Venezuela, this time of fascist and counter-revolutionary character.”
Venezuela's attorney general warned that anyone blocking roads or violating laws related to obstruction as part of the protests would be severely punished, and 32 people have been detained on charges ranging from destroying election materials to inciting violence.
Meanwhile, senior U.S. administration officials said the published results were “inconsistent with data obtained through rapid counting mechanisms and other sources,” suggesting the results reported may conflict with how people voted.
They added that this is “our biggest concern”.
“That is why we are asking Venezuela’s electoral authorities to release the basic data that supports the numbers they have publicly announced.”
But the United States has yet to say what the results mean for its sanctions policy against Venezuela. Officials have stressed that while there is some doubt about the results, President Maduro held the election and allowed opposition candidates to appear on the ballot, even though the opposition leader was banned from running.
The Organization of American States (OAS) announced late Monday that it would hold a meeting of its permanent council on Wednesday to discuss the Venezuela outcome.
