Venezuelan Opposition Candidate Accuses Maduro of Staging a Coup: 'Crowned Himself Dictator'

Maduro declared victory and secured loyalty from the military and key security forces, cementing his grip on power. (Credit: Getty Images/Federico PARRA / AFP)

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González has accused Nicolás Maduro of staging a coup and "crowning himself dictator" after being sworn in for a third term, despite widespread claims of election fraud and international condemnation.

The July 28 election in Venezuela was marred by allegations of vote rigging, with González claiming to have won by a significant margin, the Guardian reported.