Venezuela’s presidential election has been called into question by the Carter Center, an independent organization based in Atlanta. The group, which was invited by the Maduro government to observe the vote, criticized the lack of transparency in the electoral process, particularly the failure to release disaggregated results by polling station. The Carter Center stated that the election did not meet international standards and could not be considered democratic. This criticism followed a day of protests against the election results, with opponents of Maduro claiming that their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, had won by a significant margin.
The Maduro government has responded to the criticism by launching attacks on their opponents. Some allies of Maduro have even suggested that the opposition leader and presidential candidate should be arrested. In an attempt to support their claim to victory, the opposition released detailed voting data that they said showed Gonzalez had won by a landslide. However, the National Electoral Council, which is loyal to Maduro, has not released any results from the polling center level. In previous elections, these figures were posted online within hours.
The lack of transparency in the election process has drawn international attention. US President Joe Biden and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke by phone and called for the release of full, transparent, and detailed voting data. They emphasized that the election’s outcome represents a critical moment for democracy in the hemisphere.
Venezuela’s economic situation has worsened under Maduro’s leadership, with plummeting oil prices, widespread shortages, and hyperinflation. Millions of Venezuelans have left the country since 2014, creating the largest exodus in Latin America’s recent history. As both sides continue to defend their claims to victory, thousands of supporters have taken to the streets in protest.
The opposition has demanded the release of tally sheets, which they say show that Gonzalez received more than twice as many votes as Maduro. They have called for a peaceful transition and the reconstruction of Venezuela. The Organization of American States has also criticized the government for not releasing the data and has suggested a new election monitored by international observers.
Maduro’s closest allies have come to his defense, calling the opposition violent fascists and suggesting that they should be jailed. The post-election climate has raised concerns, with reports of arrests, including children, and the disproportionate use of force by law enforcement officials. Residents have started lining up outside supermarkets and stores, anticipating possible food shortages due to prolonged demonstrations.
In the midst of the protests, a statue of Maduro’s mentor and predecessor, Hugo Chávez, was toppled and set on fire. Despite hopes for a peaceful election, Venezuela’s future remains uncertain. Maduro has blamed the opposition for the violence and destruction, calling for justice to be served.
Maria Corina Machado, a prominent opposition figure, shocked Venezuelans by announcing that the opposition had acquired the tally sheets, which showed Gonzalez’s significant lead over Maduro. The number of eligible voters was estimated to be around 17 million, with an additional 4 million Venezuelans registered but living abroad. Supporters of the opposition chanted “President! President!” as they gathered, expressing their hope for a change in leadership.
The outcome of Venezuela’s presidential election hangs in the balance as both sides continue to dispute the results. The lack of transparency and the calls for justice highlight the challenges facing the country as it struggles to find a way forward. The international community’s attention is focused on Venezuela, with hopes that democracy and transparency will prevail.
