Amid fears of foul play, Venezuela grids for uncertain election

Uncertainty looms over Venezuela as it approaches presidential elections, with concerns that incumbent Nicolas Maduro will manipulate the results to outdo opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who leads in polls. Maduro, aiming for a third term amidst an economic crisis, warns that the election outcome will determine whether Venezuela remains peaceful or becomes conflict-ridden. Analysts believe the elections are already compromised, potentially leading to a contested outcome and violence. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been barred from the race on alleged corruption charges, leaving Gonzalez Urrutia as the opposition’s candidate. Despite Machado’s active campaign for Gonzalez, there are ongoing reports of arrests and political persecution. Maduro’s government, rejected by many Western and Latin American countries since his disputed 2018 reelection, still retains support from key domestic institutions and international allies like Cuba, Russia, and China. The country faces dire economic conditions, prompting millions to emigrate, while Maduro vows to maintain his grip on power regardless of public discontent. the majority of Venezuelans live on a few dollars a month, with deteriorating healthcare and education systems. Ana Colmenares, a 20-year-old student, expressed hopelessness for the country’s future, having only known the “Chavismo” era of Chavez and Maduro. The government attributes the economic situation to U.S. sanctions, but observers point to longstanding corruption and mismanagement, particularly in the oil industry. Political analysts, including Luis Salamanca and Rebecca Hanson, doubt a fair electoral process, suggesting potential disqualification of opposition candidate Gonzalez and possible massive fraud by Maduro’s government. Michael Shifter predicts a political crisis following the election, with international condemnation and potential for political negotiation. With 21 million eligible voters, the risk of unrest is high, especially after Venezuela rescinded an invitation for EU election observers, while allowing monitors from the UN and the Carter Center. Original text published in -> VoA

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Save