Post-election crises in Venezuela have led to concerns. According to multiple sources including the BBC and CNN, the opposition rejected the outcomes of the 2024 Presidential Elections in Venezuela — declared by the government-controlled National Electoral Council — which led to the win of the incumbent President of the socialist PSUV party Nicolas Maduro for the third consecutive terms in office. Though the President claims the latest election to be credible, the opposition claims it to be manipulated and independent observers describe it to be “undemocratic”. The opposition has been carrying out countrywide protests since the declaration of the electoral results that led to the arrests of hundreds of people by the security forces.
It is notable that the latest post-election crisis is not a sudden event in Venezuela. Political crises have been going on for more than a decade because of a combination of political, economic and other reasons. The culture of manipulated elections, populist politics, the repression of opposition and a lack of democratic institutions or the politicization of government institutions have been going on for years in Venezuela, which has been facing economic sanctions for many years, high inflation and the shortage of essential goods for the last several years, along with years-long economic mismanagement and growing corruption in government institutions. Waves of anti-government protests in 2014, 2017 and 2018 fizzled out after a police crackdown. Millions of Venezuelans left the country to escape economic hardship and political repression.
The controversial claims over the latest presidential elections have probably made the situation more complicated, despite better possibilities, in Venezuela, making it difficult to resolve the persistent political crisis. Pertinently saying, Nicolas Maduro was reelected in 2018 through the controversial and manipulated presidential elections. Juan Guaidó, the then-opposition candidate, rejected the electoral outcomes and declared himself as the President which was recognized by more than 50 countries. Western countries later relaxed some of the imposed sanctions and brought the Maduro government and then-opposition to discussion tables, raising the possibility of better outcomes. While the government now says that it will prevent the protest, many protesters say that they will not stop until there is a new government.
Venezuela, also the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, needs to address its political crises, not only for its better political outcomes but also for economic development. The release of detailed data of the latest presidential elections from polling stations, which the opposition says proves that its candidate Edmundo González won by a wide margin, may help address the political concerns regarding the elections. Political talks with the opposition may also be helpful in reaching a solution to the resultant political crisis — with or without another presidential election. But the excessive use of force on the protesters and their indiscriminate arrests need to be addressed, along with allowing them to peaceful protests in Venezuela.
Whatever the outcomes of the political crisis may be, Venezuela also needs to address its diverse economic problems including extreme poverty and high inflation that affect the lives of millions of people. Along with implementing effective economic policies, addressing economic mismanagement and growing corruption in the government institutions of Venezuela are vital. Among others, the political foresightedness and diplomatic maneuver of the ideologically differed country may also help withdraw western sanctions.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
