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Venezuela’s upcoming presidential election on July 28 is pivotal for the country’s democracy and the future of over seven million Venezuelan migrants who have fled, influencing the US migrant surge. Governed by Chavismo for 25 years, following Hugo Chávez and his successor Nicolás Maduro, the country faces economic collapse and significant displacement. This election presents a rare chance for an opposition candidate to win. Key issues include the management of the world’s largest oil reserves, Venezuela’s alliances with China, Russia, and Iran, and addressing an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The upcoming election in Venezuela is expected to be neither free nor fair. President Nicolás Maduro controls key institutions, including the legislature, military, police, justice system, national election council, budget, and much of the media. The Maduro government has detained opposition members and proposed legislation that could suspend the opposition’s campaign. Venezuelans abroad face obstacles to registering to vote. There is also significant doubt that Maduro would accept or make public unfavorable election results. Any potential relinquishing of power by Maduro would likely involve negotiating immunity from prosecution for crimes against humanity. Despite various obstacles to credible elections in Venezuela, Edmundo González, a former diplomat, has emerged as the opposition’s consensus candidate after the government barred the popular leader María Corina Machado from running. González, who was initially unknown to most Venezuelans, has received significant support from Machado, boosting his viability as a challenger to President Maduro. Although there are other candidates, they are not considered serious contenders. González himself was surprised when he was allowed to register, with no clear explanation for this decision. the primary concern for most Venezuelans is the opportunity to vote out the current Chavista government, led by Mr. Maduro, who is widely blamed for the country’s economic collapse. The crisis began roughly a decade ago due to mismanagement of the oil sector and was worsened by U.S. sanctions in 2019. This has led to severe inflation, shortages of basic necessities, and malnutrition. Roughly one-third of the population supports the government, attributing the issues to foreign adversaries. Reuniting families separated by migration is also a significant issue due to the large exodus of Venezuelans. Polls in Venezuela typically open at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., and results are known by around 2 a.m. the following day. Original Text By Genevieve Glatsky, published in ->TNYT
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¿Qué hará Cuba el 28 de julio?