The political climate in Venezuela is increasingly tense following Nicolas Maduro’s contested re-election in the July 2024 presidential race. The international community is applying mounting pressure on the Venezuelan government, while Maduro has responded by suspending the platform X (formerly Twitter) for ten days.
On August 8, 2024, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, all led by leftist presidents, called for transparency in the disclosure of election results. They emphasized the need for the National Electoral Council (CNE) to make public the election protocols. The CNE had previously confirmed Maduro’s victory with 52% of the vote on August 2, while claiming it had been a victim of a cyberattack. However, the opposition contends that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who replaced Maria Corina Machado (declared ineligible), actually won with 67% of the vote. The credibility of both the CNE and the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), perceived as close to the government, is heavily questioned.
The situation worsened with post-election unrest resulting in 24 deaths, according to human rights organizations. The Maduro government reported two deaths of national guard members and over 2,200 arrests. Washington has warned that any attempt to arrest opposition leaders could further galvanize international condemnation, with U.S. Ambassador Francisco Mora suggesting such actions could unite the international community against Maduro.
Venezuelan opposition leaders Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez have called on security forces to side with the people rather than supporting Maduro. This led to a criminal investigation against them for charges including usurpation of functions and incitement to insurrection. In response, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez reaffirmed the military’s absolute loyalty to Maduro.
Machado, who has been in hiding for over a week, warned of a massive exodus if Maduro remains in power, predicting up to five million Venezuelans might flee the country. According to the UN, about seven million of Venezuela’s thirty million people have left the country over the past decade due to the ongoing economic and political crisis.
Amid rising tensions, Maduro has decided to suspend X, accusing Elon Musk and the social media platform of conspiring against him. He also announced his withdrawal from WhatsApp, labeling social networks as part of a “cyberfascist criminal coup.” Vice President Delcy Rodriguez criticized the international reaction, mocking the focus on election protocols by comparing their importance to the Olympics.
The political crisis in Venezuela continues to escalate, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations.
Written by Imane Moumen
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