As Venezuela’s presidential election heads towards a close, the country stands on edge, awaiting results amid a climate of uncertainty and tension. Nicolás Maduro, the incumbent president representing the governing socialist PSUV party, is seeking a third term in office. His primary challenger, Edmundo González, a former diplomat backed by a coalition of opposition parties, has generated significant public support, leading to a dramatic election day.
Polling stations across Venezuela were scheduled to shut at 18:00 local time (23:00 BST), though they remain open if voters are still queuing. This provision highlights the intense public engagement and the high stakes of this election. As the day progresses, there are mounting concerns about the integrity of the vote-counting process. Opposition groups have urged their supporters to maintain vigilance at polling stations to ensure transparency and to counter any potential attempts at vote manipulation by the PSUV.
The atmosphere around the election is fraught with anxiety. Opinion polls prior to the election suggested that González held a substantial lead over Maduro. This sentiment was palpable at polling stations like the one in Petare, a struggling neighborhood in Caracas, where many voters expressed a deep desire for change. The economic collapse under Maduro’s presidency has been severe, with GDP shrinking by 70% and over 7.7 million Venezuelans fleeing the country in search of a better life.
Voter Hector Emilio D’Avilia, reflecting widespread frustration, told the BBC, “This government has had all the opportunities to make Venezuela a great country, but instead we have misery.” Adriana Arreaza, visibly emotional, voiced her hope for “decent salaries for teachers and doctors, quality of life for the elderly and the youth, and a change for our country.”
The backdrop to this election is a history of contested results. Maduro’s re-election in 2018 was marred by accusations of unfair practices, and there is widespread concern that similar issues could arise this time if the results do not favor the incumbent. The opposition has faced significant obstacles, including the disqualification of their leading candidate, María Corina Machado, from running. Despite this, Machado has been a vocal advocate for a transparent counting process, urging Venezuelans to stay at their polling stations and monitor the vote.
Community leader Katiuska Camargo highlighted the collective frustration with the current regime, saying, “There’s been outrage after outrage. Violations of human rights, extrajudicial executions, excessive emigration.” The PSUV’s dominance over Venezuela’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches has led to a highly centralized control that many believe undermines democratic processes.
The PSUV, under the leadership of Hugo Chávez followed by Maduro, has held power for 25 years. While the party boasts a loyal base that credits it with certain social benefits, including assistance for individuals with disabilities, the broader narrative is one of economic decline and political repression.
Maduro himself has vowed to secure victory “by hook or by crook,” a statement that has intensified fears of post-election violence. He has also warned of a “bloodbath” should he lose, adding to the already charged atmosphere. The National Electoral Council (CNE), which oversees the election, is heavily influenced by Maduro’s allies, including its president, Elvis Amoroso, further fueling concerns about the legitimacy of the results.
Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which once held promise for the country’s economic prosperity, have seen a drastic decline in output under Maduro. The lifting of international oil sanctions could influence global oil prices, adding another layer of complexity to the country’s already dire situation.
As Venezuela awaits the final tally, the international community and local citizens remain on high alert, hoping for a peaceful resolution and a fair outcome in this critical election.
