Protests erupted in multiple Venezuelan cities on Monday after Nicolás Maduro was formally declared the winner of a presidential election by the country’s electoral authority, amid allegations of electoral fraud.

In Caracas, security forces used tear gas to disperse a large crowd of protesters, while demonstrators banged pots and pans in frustration over Maduro’s Sunday victory.

PROVEA, a Venezuelan human rights group, reported that pro-Maduro armed groups fired at peaceful protesters on Avenue Urdaneta.

Similar protests occurred in other cities, including Maracay, where opposition activist Esthefania Natera stated that people took to the streets demanding transparency.

In the coastal state of Falcón, demonstrators toppled a statue of Maduro, as seen in social media videos.

The next 24 hours are crucial in observing Maduro’s response to the allegations.

Analysts predict potential unrest if widespread protests against the regime continue.

In the past, street demonstrations have been suppressed by the military, which supports Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez, CNN has reported.

Maduro, smiling, entered the National Electoral Council (CNE) before Monday’s ceremony declaring his victory, receiving applause from many attendees.

The CNE, dominated by Maduro allies, has yet to release the final vote tallies from Sunday’s election.

Written by B.C. Begley