The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, said this Thursday that the country will decide “war or peace” in the presidential elections on July 28, in which the head of state, who will compete against nine candidates from different opposition sectors, will seek a third consecutive term.
«On July 28, war or peace, guarimba (violent protest) or tranquility, homeland or colony project, democracy or fascism are decided. Are you ready? Are you ready? I am prepared, I have the love for Venezuela, I have the experience, I am not even afraid of the devil, God comes with me, God with us, the people with us«said the official candidate.
During an event in a town in the state of Aragua as part of his electoral campaign, Maduro assured that this July 28, Venezuela will not take “any decision” but one that will define «the destiny of the next 50 years of the country«, so he reiterated the invitation to his followers to vote for him in these elections, so that that day, with «party rhythm«, the country celebrates “at peace”.
On Wednesday, the Chavista leader said that on July 29 – one day after the elections – he will sign a “first decree” to convene “a great national dialogue” and, thus, “think (about) the Venezuela of the future.”
For her part, opposition leader María Corina Machado, as she told EFE this Wednesday, hopes that Maduro will agree to negotiate for an orderly transition because, she predicted, anti-Chavismo is going to “sweep”, with former ambassador Edmundo González Urrutia as a candidate.
In the opinion of the former deputy, Maduro – in power since 2013 – lost “the trust and support of the people”, and that is why he has chosen to sow “fear”, a strategy that, he considered, “does not work for him.” ».
This Thursday, the opposition candidate for the Alianza Lápiz formation, Antonio Ecarri, urged to organize a debate between candidates for the elections because the country – he warned – is facing “another crisis”, on the verge of “a civil war.”
The presidential campaign completed this Thursday a first week full of massive rallies, as well as accusations of advantageousness and alleged violent plans, with Maduro and González Urrutia at the center of the diatribes.
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2024-10-08 06:31:26
Venezuela’s Presidential Election: A Tale of Controversy and Uncertainty
As the dust settles on Venezuela’s presidential election, the country finds itself at a crossroads, with the outcome hanging precariously in the balance. The election, which took place on July 28, saw President Nicolás Maduro seeking a third consecutive term, amidst a backdrop of controversy and opposition.
In the days leading up to the election, Maduro framed the contest as a choice between “war or peace,” highlighting the high stakes involved. His rhetoric, while dramatic, reflects the deep-seated divisions within Venezuelan society, with the opposition accusing him of authoritarianism and Maduro accusing them of seeking to undermine the country’s democracy [[1]].
The election itself was marked by controversy, with two candidates claiming victory [[1]]. The National Electoral Council (CNE), which is controlled by Maduro’s government, announced that he had won the election. However, this outcome has been disputed by the opposition, who have questioned the legitimacy of the electoral process.
The international community has also weighed in on the election, with some leaders expressing concerns over the fairness of the contest. The US Department of State, for example, has called into question the announcement of results by the CNE, highlighting concerns over the lack of transparency and accountability in the electoral process [[2]].
In a move that has further solidified Maduro’s grip on power, Venezuela’s Supreme Justice Tribunal has ratified his election win, dismissing opposition claims of irregularities [[3]]. This outcome has sparked concerns over the erosion of democratic institutions in Venezuela and the potential for authoritarianism to tighten its hold on the country.
As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the country is at a critical juncture, with the fate of its democracy hanging precariously in the balance. Whether Maduro’s election win will be recognized by the international community remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the road ahead will be marked by controversy, uncertainty, and potentially, ongoing resistance from the opposition.
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