BTN News: Edmundo González Urrutia, the opposition candidate in Venezuela’s upcoming elections on July 28, is now leading in the polls. This rise in popularity is causing fears that President Nicolás Maduro might stop the elections or disqualify his opponent. Many worry that Maduro will do this to avoid losing the election.
Regional Diplomatic Actions Suggested to Prevent Election Manipulation and Ensure Fair Voting Process
To address these fears, several regional diplomatic actions are being suggested. One major idea is to send Latin American foreign ministers to Venezuela to observe the elections. They could also help mediate if conflicts arise after the elections. This mission could include representatives from both supporters and critics of Maduro, like Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Guatemala. The idea is to create a balanced group that can mediate between the government and the opposition if violence occurs.
President Maduro’s Campaign Struggles and the Rising Popularity of His Opponent
Maduro recently faced a setback during a campaign event in San Cristóbal, Táchira. An unintended recording caught him complaining about the low turnout. Meanwhile, polls show a significant lead for González Urrutia. According to Hercón Consultores, González Urrutia has 68.4% of the vote, compared to Maduro’s 27.3%. Another poll by Datanálisis shows González Urrutia leading by 18% to 25% in different scenarios.
Opposition Leaders Worried About Election Suspension and Seek Regional Support
In a recent interview, González Urrutia said he worries about Maduro stopping the elections or disqualifying him. But he believes it might be too late for such actions. “They could certainly do it, especially since this government has no limits for such tricks,” González Urrutia said. “But it would be a public admission of their defeat. I don’t think they will risk that.”
Despite this, several opposition leaders worry that Maduro might take extreme measures because of the recent poll results. Maduro has already taken steps to reduce the opposition vote. For example, he stopped 4.5 million Venezuelans abroad from registering to vote. Some believe he might find it easier to stop the elections rather than change the vote count on election day.
Calls for Help from Other Countries to Ensure Fair Elections in Venezuela
Carlos Vecchio, the former ambassador of interim president Juan Guaidó to Washington, supports sending a regional mediation mission. “We may see moments of high conflict,” Vecchio said. “A mission of Latin American foreign ministers on the ground could access both sides and help prevent Maduro from doing something rash.”
González Urrutia has also been talking to several Latin American presidents. He asks them to get involved in the Venezuelan elections. “I ask any member of the international community who is watching the electoral process in Venezuela to pay attention to what happens here that day,” he said. He hopes they could help ensure a fair process.
Potential for Mass Migration and Violence If Elections Are Rigged
The stakes are high. About 8 million Venezuelans have left the country in recent years. Another wave of mass migration could occur if Maduro rigs the elections and causes political violence. When Maduro was re-elected fraudulently in 2018, mass protests erupted. Regime paramilitaries killed around 7,000 people, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Urgent Need for Regional Action to Prevent Election Manipulation and Ensure Peace
To prevent a repeat of 2018, Latin American democracies must act quickly. They need to send a regional mission to Venezuela. Without such intervention, Maduro might change the election results and seek approval from CELAC. CELAC is a regional group controlled by leftist governments. Ensuring a fair election process is crucial not only for Venezuela but for the stability of the entire region. The cost of inaction could lead to more bloodshed and another wave of mass migration, affecting neighboring countries significantly.
In conclusion, as Venezuela approaches a critical election, regional and international involvement is essential. They need to uphold democratic processes and prevent potential violence. The world is watching closely. The actions taken in the coming days will determine the future of the Venezuelan crisis.
