Venezuela Roundup: General elections, repression, election observers blocked

Election observers blocked

Venezuela's presidential elections are now in question as the government blocks international observers from arriving for the vote. Panama reported that a flight carrying former Latin American leaders was prevented from leaving, and other countries have also been denied entry to observe. Concerns over the fairness of the election have been raised, as President Maduro seeks a third term amid accusations of an increasingly authoritarian regime, as reported by RFI. The government's actions have led to worries that the vote will not be free and fair.

Venezuelans in the U.S. return to vote

Venezuelan Americans in Miami are hopeful they can make a difference in the upcoming presidential elections in their home country. They are supporting opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, as they believe he has a chance to beat current president Nicolás Maduro. Activists in Miami are also organising to support voters in Venezuela, while politicians like Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz are also showing support for the opposition. Venezuelans in the U.S. are eager to vote and hopeful for a better future, CBS News reports.

Blocked opposition leader

Maria Corina Machado has travelled across Venezuela, seeking refuge with supporters and witnessing the persecution of her allies. She has held the hands of crying men, worn gifted rosaries, and listened to the pleas of many. Barred from Sunday’s presidential election, this ban has only fuelled her resolve. Machado now leads the main opposition coalition, symbolising hope and courage for millions. Once a political outcast, she is now a freedom fighter and the main threat to President Nicolás Maduro’s reelection, the Toronto Star reports.

Repression in Venezuela

The human rights group Foro Penal reports that between 2014 and 2023, there were 15,700 politically motivated arbitrary arrests in Venezuela, with hundreds still imprisoned. This is one of the many methods the government uses to suppress dissent. The BBC requested comments or an interview from the government and prosecutor but received no response. President Nicolás Maduro, who has been in power since succeeding his mentor Hugo Chávez in 2013, is seeking re-election on Sunday. According to the BBC, his photos are displayed throughout the streets, and on the final day of campaigning in Caracas, hundreds of buses were arranged to bring people from across the country to his rally, where free food parcels were distributed as an incentive to attend.

Hope in Sunday's elections

Venezuela holds elections on Sunday, July 28, with hopes for change after years of government repression. Opposition leader María Corina Machado has been banned from running, and numerous critics have been detained. The government has used tactics to suppress opposition, including detaining dissenters and uninviting EU election observers. Despite the country's oil wealth, Venezuela remains impoverished, and over eight million people have fled the country. President Nicolás Maduro blames US sanctions for the country's woes, while critics cite corruption and economic mismanagement, reports NBC News. It is unlikely sanctions will be lifted if the election is perceived as unfair.