Opposition leader Henrique Capriles formally requested a recount in Venezuela's disputed presidential election Wednesday, even after being rebuffed by the country's Supreme Court. The drama played out against spiking political tensions since Sunday's vote to replace the late president Hugo Chavez, which ended in a narrow win for his handpicked successor Nicolas Maduro.
Eight people were killed and dozens more injured in post-election violence in the oil-rich South American country on Monday - mainly in big cities, where Capriles did well. Each side has accused the other of stoking violence. For a second straight night, Venezuelans vented their frustrations by banging on pots and pans and honking car horns while Maduro's supporters blasted off fireworks across Caracas to drown them out.
Capriles' campaign chiefs took their demands for a recount to the headquarters of the National Election Council, whose president Tibisay Lucena received their petition, telling reporters "the right to protest and the right to dissent must be respected."
"We explained that a political solution to the crisis is needed, and we hope that, as soon as possible, in the next announcement of the (council) we have a solution," said Carlos Ocariz, the head of Capriles's campaign. He said they provided evidence of election irregularities with the request. Maduro, who had been declared the winner of the elections by 50.8 percent to 49 percent, said he would support "totally and fully" whatever the election council decides.
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