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Shouting “freedom, freedom, freedom,” and denouncing “fraud,” Venezuelan citizens living in Argentina expressed their frustration against the embassy of their Caribbean country after the official results were announced, which re-elected dictator Nicolás Maduro.
While some accepted the results with resignation but peacefully, others showed their anger by throwing blunt objects and striking the fences surrounding the diplomatic mission, as police officers attempted to contain the crowd of Venezuelan protesters.
Amid tears and a sense of despair, Venezuelans tried to come to terms with the election results. “Fraud, the minutes show Edmundo González’s victory; it is a very difficult moment,” one protester told All News (TN). “We will continue until the end. We call for calm because difficult days are ahead, but peace, democracy, and the rule of law will prevail in Venezuela,” the young man added. “We urge the international community not to recognize Nicolás Maduro’s fraud; what just happened is a fraud, and the president-elect is Edmundo González, not Nicolás Maduro,” he emphasized.
A woman, in tears, expressed her sorrow: “I wanted to return to my country. I thought I would return, but I can’t. I feel like something has died within me, like when my father died,” she lamented. “There was hope in me to return to Venezuela one day, but now there isn’t,” she added.
A young woman condemned “a violation of our human rights.” “What was witnessed on the streets of Venezuela contradicts this result,” she said, rejecting Maduro’s reelection. “We defend freedom,” she asserted.
The unrest escalated to the point that clashes occurred among Venezuelans in the middle of the street, just minutes before two in the morning on Monday.
Faced with escalating suspicions of fraud and widespread disbelief, the Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE) declared the winner of the presidential elections to be Nicolás Maduro, with 51.2% of the vote, while Edmundo González Urrutia was attributed 44.2%. The announcement astonished many, as a significant victory for the opposition candidate was expected, with at least a 30-point lead over Maduro.
The president of the voting oversight body, Elvis Amoroso, indicated that the results were based on 80% of the votes counted and that they were already showing an “irreversible” trend. The initial report indicated a 59% voter turnout. Amoroso noted that Maduro received 5,140,092 votes, while opposition candidate González Urrutia garnered 4.45 million votes.
Before the official results were released, Argentine President Javier Milei issued a statement acknowledging the regime’s defeat: “Venezuelans chose to end the communist dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro. The data indicate a crushing victory for the opposition, and the world expects him to recognize this defeat after years of socialism, misery, decadence, and death,” said the libertarian economist.
Through his account on X, he stated that “Argentina will not recognize another fraud and expects the Armed Forces to defend democracy and the will of the people this time.” He added that “Freedom advances in Latin America,” and concluded with, “Dictator Maduro, leave!!!”
The tweet from the Argentine president incensed the regime, which quickly responded through its foreign minister, Yvan Gil. “Nauseating Nazi, the Argentine people will hold you accountable sooner rather than later. Our overwhelming victory is an unequivocal sign that our people will defeat the fascism that you promote,” tweeted the Maduro official in a furious response to Milei.
The Tears of Venezuelans Demonstrating Against Electoral Fraud in Argentina
Amid cries for freedom and condemnation of what they termed as fraud, Venezuelan citizens living in Argentina gathered in front of the Venezuelan Embassy to express their anger following the announcement of official election results that declared the re-election of dictator Nicolás Maduro.
Public Reaction to Election Results
The mood was a complex juxtaposition of resignation and fury. While some resigned themselves to the outcome, many others vented their emotions by throwing objects and striking the fences surrounding the diplomatic compound as police attempted to manage the escalating protests.
Heartfelt Testimonies of Pain
Standing amidst a crowd marked by grief and frustration, a young protester told All News (TN), “Fraud, the minutes show Edmundo González’s victory, it is a very difficult moment. We will continue until the end, we call for calm because difficult days are coming, but peace, democracy, and the rule of law will prevail in Venezuela.”
The heartfelt pleas were palpable, as another protester, a woman with tears streaming down her face, lamented, “I wanted to return to my country. I thought I was going to return to my country and I can’t. I feel like something has died in me.” These sentiments encapsulated the despair many Venezuelans felt on this tragic day.
Claims of Human Rights Violations
Another young woman stood up, passionately denouncing the violation of human rights in Venezuela. “What was seen on the streets of Venezuela reflects the opposite of this result,” she insisted, firmly advocating for democracy. “We defend freedom,” she added, emphasizing their collective desire for a true democratic environment.
Violent Clashes and Unrest
The atmosphere was charged, resulting in clashes among Venezuelans approximately two hours before the official announcement. This unrest highlighted the deep divisions within the community as conflicting emotions and beliefs took center stage.
Suspicion Surrounding the Election Results
The official results announced by the Electoral Council of Venezuela (CNE) raised eyebrows and spurred suspicion of widespread fraud. According to the CNE, Nicolás Maduro garnered 51.2% of the votes, while the opposition candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, received 44.2%. Many had expected a commanding victory for González, projecting at least a thirty-point gap.
The president of the voting control body, Elvis Amoroso, affirmed that the results reflected an 80% completion of the vote tally with a participation rate of 59%. Despite this assurance, doubt lingered, primarily due to the political history of electoral disputes in Venezuela.
International Reactions to the Election Results
Before the official results were made public, Argentine President Javier Milei responded by declaring a resounding defeat for Maduro and his communist regime. “Venezuelans chose to end the communist dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro,” he tweeted, foreseeing a decisive victory for the opposition. His sentiments reflected the overall anticipation that the international community had towards these elections.
In a strong declaration, Milei stated, “Argentina will not recognize another fraud and expects the Armed Forces to defend democracy and the popular will this time.” His assertive statement echoed widespread calls for accountability and respect for the Venezuelan people’s choices.
Maduro’s Regime Reacts
Frustrated by Milei’s critique, Maduro’s Foreign Minister, Yvan Gil, quickly took to social media to retaliate: “Nauseating Nazi, the Argentine people will hold you accountable sooner rather than later. Our overwhelming victory is an unequivocal sign that our people will defeat the fascism that you promote.” This exchange highlighted the tension not just in Venezuela, but also between the Venezuelan and Argentine governments.
Understanding the Context of Venezuelan Elections
Venezuela has faced a decades-long crisis characterized by economic instability, political oppression, and a humanitarian emergency that has prompted millions to flee the nation. The 2023 presidential election became another flashpoint in a long-standing struggle against tyrannical governance.
The Role of the International Community
The actions that the international community has taken—and continues to take—play a significant role in shaping the situation on the ground in Venezuela. Calls for sanctions against Maduro’s government, campaigns for political asylum, and continued support for opposition leaders are vital aspects of global responses to the crisis in Venezuela.
Emotional State of Venezuelans Abroad
The reactions of Venezuelans protesting in Argentina reveal the emotional turmoil faced by those who have left their homeland. Many feel a sense of betrayal and anger at what they perceive to be a misrepresentation of the people’s will through fraudulent elections. Their demonstration is a testament to the yearning for reform and justice.
Connecting with the Venezuelan Diaspora
Community organizations and support networks play pivotal roles in helping Venezuelans abroad cope with their grief and frustration. These entities often provide resources ranging from legal assistance to cultural cohesion, further fostering a sense of belonging among the diaspora.
Seeking Solutions and Moving Forward
As Venezuelans continue to rally for their rights and validate the democratic processes, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. Advocacy from within and support from the global community will be imperative as residents both at home and abroad work tirelessly to reclaim their democracy.
