Venezuela: Socialist Maduro Gets Re-Elected For 3rd time In an Election Marred with Repression

Socialist leader and President Nicholas Maduro won another Venezuelan Election this Sunday, continuing the 15 years of Socialist rule in the country. An election, which has been rejected by the nation’s election, has drawn attention to several repressive measures used by Maduro to hold power.

“BLOODBATH”, if he loses: Maduro

After emerging hugely unpopular after the economic crisis, Nicholas Maduro again sought a third 6-year term, threatening the voters that his lost elections will result in “bloodbath” in Venezuela. The Socialist Maduro used extensive state-sponsored propaganda, voice booming on television and an image plastered on building facades.

Critics argue that he simultaneously waged a relentless campaign against the opposition, marked by numerous arrests, the political disqualification of opponents, and continuous harassment. Opinion polls had forecast a significant defeat. This was not the first instance of Maduro being written off. Initially, he assumed power as Chávez’s chosen successor, even after having reservations within the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

Repression Marred Venezuelan Elections

Arrests of opposition members, arbitrary disqualifications of opposition candidates, and efforts to further restrict civic space have severely compromised the electoral process in Venezuela. The elections are occurring amid years of systematic human rights violations by the government and a severe humanitarian crisis that has led to roughly eight million people leaving the country.

Juanita Goebertus, the Americas director at Human Rights Watch, mentioned that although the election in Venezuela is unlikely to be free or fair, Venezuelans have their best chance in over a decade to choose their government. She stressed that the international community should support them. She added that the United States, Brazil, Colombia, and the European Union should use all available diplomatic measures to protect Venezuelans’ right to vote.

On October 17, 2023, the Venezuelan opposition and the government signed the Barbados Agreement, committing to respect political parties’ right to select their presidential candidates and to hold the presidential election in the latter half of 2024, among other electoral protections. The US agreed to temporarily lift certain sanctions in return for a commitment to conduct free and fair elections.

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Criticism from Other Socialist Leaders: Lula and Gustavo

On July 22, Brazilian President Luíz Inacio Lula da Silva urged Maduro to accept the election results. He expressed alarm over Maduro’s statement that if he loses the elections, there will be a bloodbath. Lula stated in a media interview that Maduro needs to understand that when one wins, they stay in power; and when one loses, they step down and prepare for the next election.

Human Rights Watch stated that the governments of Presidents Gustavo Petro in Colombia and Lula in Brazil should use their influence with the Venezuelan government to push for an end to the persecution of opposition leaders and supporters, ensure all voters can cast their ballots freely, and guarantee that all votes are accurately counted. They should urge Venezuela’s government to prevent violence and promote an electoral process that fully respects human rights.

The administration of US President Joe Biden should continue leveraging its influence, including conditional targeted sanctions, to ensure respect for voters’ rights on election day and in the subsequent weeks.

Human Rights Issues in Venezuela

Karim Khan, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), is investigating crimes against humanity in Venezuela. He should remind Venezuelan authorities that any renewed repression amounting to crimes within the court’s jurisdiction could be part of his investigation. The ICC acts as a court of last resort, intervening only when national authorities are genuinely unwilling or unable to do so.

Goeberts mentioned that Venezuelans have a limited but real opportunity to express their opinions. She emphasized that the international community has a significant role in safeguarding the rights of Venezuelan voters and ensuring that their votes are accurately counted.