Last week we took a look into some of the news and events that were taking place in Africa, this week we turn our attention to South America where Venezuela is currently fighting for democracy, free and fair elections, and a brighter future. Venezuela recently held elections as of July 28th, 2024, which resulted in the election of Nicolas Maduro for another six-year term. Maduro has been in office since 2013 and has continuously appeared to win election after election despite clear evidence of voter fraud and political and social threats against opposing political candidates. Tensions among the country have risen as opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, was forced to seek asylum in Spain as continuing threats and safety concerns reigned in from Maduro and his political party. Leading up to Gonzalez's final decision to depart Venezuela, the Venezuelan government had released an arrest warrant out for him on claims, "accusing him of conspiracy and of forging documents, among other serious crimes," (McNamee). These allegations came with zero factual evidence and were simply a tactic used by Maduro to appear as though he is protecting the country from threats, while he himself is the biggest threat of all.
Gonzalez chose to seek asylum in Spain not only for the safety of himself, but also in order to remain alive and well for the people of Venezuela. There are clear and obvious threats to the overall democracy within Venezuela as it is clear that free and fair elections are not present within the state, forcing the citizens to continuously deal with Maduro and his forceful ways. Evidence has come out as fellow opposition candidates within Venezuela continue their bravery in order to speak out against the current leader. One example of this could be seen as a fellow popular candidate within the country that was unable to run against Maduro during this recent election, Maria Corina Machado, spoke out and showed clear evidence that, "Mr. Gonzalez had won by a comfortable margin," and went so far as to upload, "detailed voting tallies to the internet," (McNamee). This shows that there are other candidates out there that have experienced the same treatment and results that Gonzalez has received and that it is imperative for the sake of the state and all those who live within it, to stop Maduro and his intentions of destroying the democracy within Venezuela. These events also stretch far beyond the borders of Venezuela as both the United States and the European Union, as well as a large majority of foreign governments, "have refused to accept Mr. Maduro as the winner without Caracas releasing detailed voting data to prove the results," (McNamee). The survival of democracy and democratic elections are extremely important in the overall survival of peace and freedom throughout Venezuela, as well as the rest of the world. If states and International Organizations accept such behavior from Venezuela, it opens up a door for other leaders to get away with such behavior.
The election results did go to court; however, TSJ head, Caryslia Rodriguez, also a former member of Maduro's ruling party where she held elected positions, determined that Maduro had won the election freely and fairly with just a little over half of the votes. It is extremely interesting to note that despite Rodriguez announcing this, other member states continue to not believe the information and outcome. It is important to note as well that after the CNE declared the winner of the election, Mr. Maduro, without providing or publishing the detailed voting tallies, protests consumed the streets and at least, "23 protestors have been killed at anti-government demonstrations since last month's election and approximately 2,400 more have been arrested," (Sandeman). This is a clear and tell-tale sign that the government and politician in power have no respect for the citizens of the country and that their only goal is to remain in power and to silence those who speak out against them. Mr. Gonzalez will continue to fight for his nation though in order to seek truth and to remove Maduro from office in order to reinstill democracy and freedom into the government and the nation. Venezuela has a long way to go but hopefully people will continue to speak up and fight for what is right.
McNamee, M. S. (2024, September 8). Venezuelan’s González vows to “continue to fight” for democracy. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c623yqdn7eeo
Sandeman, G. (2024, August 23). Maduro re-election: Venezuelan court upholds president’s victory. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3w658z4403o
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