President Nicolás Maduro suspended access to the social media site X, as he faced renewed pressure to release data proving his claimed reelection was valid.

Mr Maduro announced his government was blocking the social media platform for 10 days, while accusing the site’s owner Elon Musk of “inciting hate and fascism” in Venezuela.

Election authorities declared Mr Maduro the winner of the July 28 poll but have yet to release detailed results, leading left-wing allies Brazil, Colombia and Mexico on Thursday to reiterate a joint call on the National Electoral Council (CNE) to disclose polling records.

On Monday, Mr Maduro called on supporters to stop using messaging service WhatsApp, saying it is being used for “technological imperialism.’’

On Sunday, he also called for recommendations from experts on the regulation of other platforms, including Instagram and TikTok.

According to Mr Maduro, these platforms were being used to stir up hatred during the recent protests against his government.

Large numbers of Venezuelans have demonstrated in recent days against what they believe to be a rigged presidential election.

The state authorities have cracked down harshly, with human rights organisations Provea and Human Rights Watch reporting that 24 people have died and hundreds have been detained.

The opposition is accusing the government of electoral fraud and is claiming victory for its candidate, Edmundo González.

The U.S. and half a dozen Latin American countries have recognised Mr González as the winner.

The European Union said it would not recognise the result of the presidential election in Venezuela without the full disclosure of the official voting record.

(dpa/NAN)