Venezuela's Elections: A Show of Defiance and Growing Chavismo Control
In a recent show of political strength, the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), led by President Nicolás Maduro, has claimed victory in 23 of the 24 states following the latest regional elections held on Sunday. This electoral outcome strengthens the territorial control of Chavismo, which now governs 23 states, an increase from the 19 states won in the previous regional elections in 2021.
The National Electoral Council (CNE), seen as aligned with the Maduro administration, announced the results, including the recovery of key states such as Barinas, the birthplace of the late President Hugo Chávez, the oil-rich region of Zulia, and the tourist destination of Nueva Esparta. The only region that remains under opposition control is Cojedes, where incumbent governor Alberto Galíndez was re-elected.
The ruling party also secured 40 of the 50 available parliamentary positions for the National Assembly, solidifying its dominance in the legislative branch. Despite calls from the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), a central opposition coalition, to boycott the elections, some opposition leaders, including Henrique Capriles and Luis Emilio Rondón, chose to participate.
While the PSUV celebrated its electoral gains, opposition leader María Corina Machado called for the Armed Forces to defend popular sovereignty following what she described as an ineffective election turnout. Machado asserted that more than 85% of Venezuelans opted not to vote, framing this abstention as a resounding statement against Maduro's regime. "Today, Venezuela defeated fear," she declared in a video posted on her social media account.
Machado referred to the day of voting as a 'plebiscite' and called upon the military to act as guardians of the people's will, pushing for a transition to a more democratic order. She asserted that the actual winner of the upcoming presidential election on July 28, 2024, was Edmundo González Urrutia, contrasting with Maduro's proclaimed victories.
González Urrutia, currently in exile in Spain, reflected on the events of Sunday as an act of civic bravery, asserting that the desire for change remains vibrant among the populace, despite the regime's authoritarian tendencies. His statements highlighted a silent support for a future free from what he termed state terrorism.
In a subsequent statement, the Primero Justicia (PJ) party praised Venezuelans who abstained from voting, viewing their actions as indicative of a conscious rejection of Maduro's electoral process.
Following the election results, Maduro addressed supporters in Caracas, proclaiming that despite facing blockades, sanctions, and other adversities, Chavismo remains strong and relevant in Venezuelan politics. As the political landscape continues to evolve, both supporters and dissenters are left to grapple with the implications of these election outcomes and the future of governance in Venezuela.
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