The controversial results of the Venezuela elections have sparked nationwide protests and raised global concerns about electoral integrity and democracy in Latin America.
The result of the recent presidential elections has become a flashpoint in Venezuela, drawing sharp reactions from the opposition as well as from the global community. While Nicolás Maduro was gearing himself up for the third term, his reelection has been questioned by opposition as well major economic powers like USA, Brazil, UK, Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Brazil. The official result reported Maduro winning with 51% of the vote against opposition candidate Edmundo González 44%. However, this contradicts the opinion poll which indicated that González securing 66% of the vote, suggesting electoral fraud and malpractice in favour of Maduro.
Maduro was also accused of sabotaging his main rival, Maria Corina Machado, by banning her to contest in the elections. The National Electoral Council of Venezuela has been declared as the henchmen of Maduro.
Protest against the Verdict
The result squashed the hopes and aspirations of the citizens of Venezuela, who, under the baton of Maria Corina Machado protested in the capital on Sunday. Hoping for a respite from the severe economic crisis, the citizens of Venezuela aspire for successful democratic transition. The opposition and many countries demand maduro to reveal the tally sheets casted during the voting process, to prove his victory. However, the National Electoral Council and Maduro government has refused to accept this demand and has responded by arresting 2000 people during the protest in Caracas on Sunday.
Failure of Maduro’s government
Succeeding Hugo Chavez in 2013, Maduro tried to build a new welfare state funded by the country primary resource- oil. However, due to the sanctions imposed by Trump Administration on oil industry and failing oil prices due to Covid-19, the economy was unable to sustain itself. Since his tenure, the poverty rate has climbed to 53% and the house poverty is much higher at 82%, resulting in mass exodus of almost 7.8 million Venezuelans to other countries.
Latin America And Venezuela
The victory of Nicolás Maduro has split the Latin world into two halves. While countries like Cuba,Bolivia, Nicaragua, Honduras and Cuba have openly expressed their support for Nicolás Maduro, the rest of the Latin America begs to differ. Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia are suffering from massive immigration due to Venezuela rapidly declining economy and wish to keep the democratic spirit alive in Latin America. Both Brazil and Argentina want a transparent voting system that makes the government accountable and avoid military dictatorship to take hold in the continent.
China’s support for Maduro Government
In the past decade ,China’s involvement in the region has exponentially increased moving from investment in infrastructural projects to focus on technology sector. Out of all the countries in Latin American, Venezuela is has received the largest loan from china of almost $50 billions, thus China has an important stake in Maduro government, who is seen as a stable and reliable partner for Chinese government. Under Maduro government, Venezuela and China have become increasingly close upgrading their relationship to an “all weather strategic partnership” in 2023.
In addition to that during Maduro’s last visit to China, Venezuela officially became a part of the belt and road Initiative as well. Thus, in order to safeguard their investments the Chinese government vehemently supports the Maduro government and strongly suggests for non interference approach in the internal matters of the country.
USA and the Western Allies
The United States has recognised González as the legitimate winner and has called for a peaceful transition of power. This stance is supported by several Western nations, including the European Union, which have condemned the election as neither free nor fair. The U.S. has also suggested potential sanctions and diplomatic measures to pressure Maduro into releasing the true electoral data.
Thus, the elections of Venezuela has become a divisive force which has unearthed the factionalism in international arena as well as pose as a threat to stability and security in Latin America.
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