CARACAS, Venezuela: Venezuela’s political landscape is sharply divided following the recent disputed election, with opposition leader María Corina Machado emerging from hiding to assert that the opposition has never been stronger.
This declaration came as President Nicolás Maduro criticized what he described as attempts to “usurp the presidency” after the contentious vote.
On Saturday, Machado made a dramatic appearance in Caracas, thrilling supporters who gathered in the streets to witness her declaration of strength. Machado, who had been in hiding following threats from Maduro’s government and deadly post-election protests, appeared in a truck adorned with a banner reading “Venezuela has won!” She had previously endorsed Edmundo González Urrutia, who, according to his supporters, won 67 percent of the vote in the July 28 election. Several Latin American countries and the United States have recognized González Urrutia as the president-elect, but there is a call for transparency regarding the vote tallies from the EU and other nations.
The Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE), which is aligned with Maduro, declared him the winner with 52 percent of the vote compared to 43 percent for González Urrutia. This result contradicted pre-election polls and has sparked significant controversy. Maduro supporters organized a large rally in central Caracas, dubbed “the mother of all marches,” to defend the election results and express their support for Maduro. At the rally, Maduro denounced the opposition’s claims as attempts to undermine his presidency and labeled international criticism as a “trap” orchestrated by Washington.
Machado’s return to the public eye and her powerful statements reflect the heightened tension and polarization in Venezuela. She vowed to continue her efforts and keep the pressure on the government, emphasizing that the regime is now weaker than ever. Her appearance was met with cheers and calls for “Freedom!” from the crowd, including supporters like Adrian Pacheco, who expressed hope despite the ongoing threats.
Maduro’s government has faced widespread criticism and scrutiny over its handling of the election. Rights groups reported that recent protests resulted in at least 11 deaths and numerous detentions, with Maduro claiming that his administration was preparing high-security prisons for protest-related detainees. The Venezuelan leader has maintained control through the support of the military, state institutions, and international allies such as Russia, China, and Cuba.
The international community’s response has varied, with some countries urging for an impartial verification of the election results while others have supported Maduro’s claims. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern for the safety of Machado and González Urrutia and congratulated González Urrutia for receiving the most votes. Meanwhile, Venezuelan émigrés across the Americas, including in Colombia, have rallied against Maduro, seeking peace and expressing their desire to return to their homeland.
The political crisis in Venezuela highlights the deep divisions and challenges facing the country as it grapples with issues of governance, economic instability, and human rights. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful, and the Venezuelan people face an uncertain future.
