Venezuela - what is the situation?

There have been recent concerns about elections and the political situation. Here are some recommended links where you can find out more.

The electronic voting company Smartmatic has expressed concerns about the outcome of the elections
Observers from the European Comission have made a statement about the violence
Further updates will be made on the delegation website
Dejusticia is a Colombia-based research and advocacy organization its website has commentary.

US Treasury has imposed sanctions on Venezuela
US State Department has also condemned the result
Statement from Mercosaur
OAS statement 
Council on Hemispheric Affairs statement

for a different perspective see reports from the  Venezuela National election council

Various world newspapers have also expressed concern in their editorials and are useful for following the crisis
New York Times
Financial Times
Guardian Comment
Observer Comment
Washington Post
CNN explanation of the crisis

Background reports on human rights

Brookings Institution
Council on Foreign Relations.
Council on Hemispheric Affairs
Freedom House reports
Human Rights Watch
Amnesty International