Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice has confirmed President Nicolas Maduro's victory in the July 28 presidential election, despite widespread allegations of voter fraud and international condemnation. Independent tallies and opposition claims show that the democratic opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won a significant majority of the votes. The court, which is widely viewed as loyal to Maduro, cited evidence from national and international experts but did not disclose any verifiable data to support its decision. The United Nations and various international observers, including the Carter Center, have raised concerns about the court's lack of independence and the government's undue influence over judicial decisions. The ruling has led to protests and a crackdown on dissent, with numerous arrests and at least 23 protesters killed. The United States and other countries have refused to recognize the election results and have called for a peaceful transition of power.