Venezuela is wracked with protests and election uncertainty. Here’s what to know

Criticism is mounting against Venezuela’s authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro after deadly protests erupted across the country following its disputed presidential election.

Criticism is mounting against Venezuela’s authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro after deadly protests erupted across the country following its disputed presidential election. Venezuela’s opposition and multiple Latin American leaders have refused to recognize Maduro’s victory in the July 28 vote, which was announced by the country’s electoral authority - a body stacked with the president’s allies. At least 11 people have been killed in the protests, according to non-governmental organization Foro Penal, and Venezuelan authorities say nearly 750 people have been arrested. CNN has not yet been able to verify the death toll and has reached out to the Venezuelan police. Meanwhile, an important opposition figure was allegedly kidnapped, according to his supporters, while the country’s army, which has long backed Maduro, reaffirmed its support for the strongman. The election was seen as the most consequential poll in years, with Venezuela’s stalling democracy and hopes of recovering its shattered economy on the line.