Venezuela Elections 2024: Nicolas Maduro declares victory, people protest as the deny

Venezuela, a nation troubled by acute political and economic instability for several years, has recently witnessed a surge in protests aggravated by the controversial presidential elections.

Venezuela’s downfall of 25 years

In recent months, Venezuela has been has been witnessing fluctuating ups and downs when it comes to citizens’ response to the legitimacy of the work done by the contemporary government in the country. The elections, held amid severe economic hardships and a polarized political landscape, have been looked upon by allegations of fraud, voter suppression, and inappropriate basis to information. Critics argue that the government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, has manipulated the electoral system to solidify the vote polls so as to worsen the current instable conditions, both economically as well as politically. But, his statements seem quite clear and upright about winning the polls.

The civilians are calling it a scam, forged poll and are saying that it’s impossible as they are not willing to die out of hunger. The country is grappling with hyperinflation that spiked up to 130,000%, acute shortages of basic goods, and a healthcare system on the brink of collapse. In this context, the credibility of the elections has become a focal point for broader frustrations.

The opposition, led by figures such as Juan Guaidó, has been vocal in condemning the electoral process. Guaidó, who once declared himself interim president in 2019 with international support, has called for international intervention and sanctions against the Maduro administration. His efforts, however, have not evidently shown any results so far in transforming the situations in the country, as Maduro’s grip on political power remains tight, strengthened by military support and alliances with countries like Russia and China.

International comments on the results

International reactions to the Venezuelan elections and subsequent protests have been mixed. While some countries and organizations have condemned the process as undemocratic and called for a reevaluation of the results, others have maintained a more cautious stance, emphasizing the need for dialogue and negotiation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shared “serious concerns” of the state regarding the delayed election results. The United Nations and various human rights groups have urged both the government and opposition to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully.

The economic impact of the protests has been severe. Strikes and roadblocks have disrupted supply chains, exacerbating the scarcity of essential goods and services. The instability has further discouraged foreign investment and hampered efforts to revitalize the country’s crumbling infrastructure. For many Venezuelans, the protests represent a last effort to reclaim their future amidst a deteriorating situation. Claims by both the parties about their victory is absolutely insignificant in terms of transparency and reliability towards the election commission, judiciary and the overall administration of the country.

As Venezuela faces an uncertain future, the path forward remains fraught with challenges that have been hurdling the growth of the nation for past 25 years now. The protests by civilians highlight a deep discontentment with the current government and a long lost wish for political and economic reform. Whether these demonstrations will lead to meaningful change or further stretch out for more turbulence is yet to be seen.