Dictatorship vs Democracy in Venezuela
Before I get started, I’d really like to acknowledge all of the incredibly supportive messages I’ve received since we launched the Tell Me Más podcast a few days ago. It means a lot to me.
Fraudulent Election
This week’s episode is focused on bringing understanding around the fraudulent and stolen election in Venezuela. I didn’t anticipate having to cover this issue. However, a little over a week since Venezuelan citizens exercised their right to vote (when they were permitted to do so), leaders and governments from around the world acknowledge that this election could be one of the worst examples of election fraud in history.
I watched with disappointment when the head of the CNE (Centro Nacional Electoral) read the results late on Sunday night. I couldn’t believe that the completely incompetent Nicolás Maduro could “win” another election. However, while I was disappointed, I certainly wasn’t surprised. When the federal government and the executive branch control all governmental institutions, including the organization that manages elections, a win is almost inevitable.
the fragility of democracy
The importance of this topic cannot be overstated. The Venezuelan election is not merely a local issue; it has far-reaching consequences that affect the entire region and beyond. The fraudulent election process in Venezuela threatens the fundamental principles of democratic governance and human rights. This issue is critical for us to understand because it underscores the fragility of democracy and the lengths to which authoritarian regimes will go to maintain power.
optimism against all odds
I must admit, that while I’m a self-avowed politics junkie, I lost track of the lead-up to this election. However, once I got engaged, I was truly baffled as to why there was so much optimism among my close Venezuelan friends, social media acquaintances, and the broader American and Latin American media. I initially chalked it up to the enormously admirable optimistic spirit of the Venezuelan people. Even after being under Chavismo since 1999, their continuous spirit of hope and readiness to fight is an inspiration to me. For anyone that has studied the history of Latin America and its politics, oftentimes, when everything else has been taken from a population, the powers that be, left or right, are never able to steal a people’s hope.
let’s be clear …
The name of Venezuela has also now taken a greater role in the United States’ political landscape. We’ve often heard, “you don’t want us to become like Venezuela” or “all of that Venezuelan immigration only brings crime to our cities” or “Maduro is emptying his prisons and mental institutions.” These statements are all meant to strike fear in the heart of Americans, and I have faith that they’re smart enough to take them with a grain of salt because they’re all truly hyperbolic if not completely false and debunked.
a human rights issue
Understanding the situation in Venezuela is essential not just for those directly affected but for all who value democracy and human rights.
The resilience and hope of the Venezuelan people serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit in the face of authoritarianism.
Let’s stay informed and support those fighting for their rights and freedoms and like Rodrigo said, “this isn’t about left vs. right, capitalism vs. socialism…it’s about a dictator vs. democracy.”
#VenezuelaLibre
