Stakes in Upcoming Venezuelan Elections: A Political Analysis

On July 28, Venezuelans will cast their votes to elect their next president, with a total of ten candidates vying for the position. nine of them belong to the right-wing faction, including current President Nicolás Maduro, who is running for a third term (2025-2030), and the US-backed opposition candidate, Edmundo González. Let's delve into the workings of the Venezuelan electoral system and the key issues standing between these two leading candidates.

The country's election process is overseen by the National Electoral Council (CNE), which has faced criticism for its alleged bias towards the government. The automated voting system, used for all levels of elections, has been questioned by international observers and the opposition due to concerns about its reliability and transparency. If the opposition loses, there may be allegations of fraud and potential calls for violence.

In the 2024 presidential election, Edmundo González Urrutia, an opposition candidate, claimed victory based on unofficial results. However, the official outcome favored Nicolás Maduro. The opposition and international observers raised concerns about electoral irregularities and lack of transparency in the election.

The government, with its focus on maintaining socialist policies and national sovereignty, is the primary contender. On the flip side, the opposition seeks democratic reforms, political freedoms, and economic recovery but faces challenges due to internal divisions and government restrictions.

Historically, tensions following elections, especially those with disputed outcomes, have led to concerns about potential violence. The upcoming 2025 elections for legislative positions and governors might further intensify political tensions, given the challenges the opposition faces in participating due to legal and political barriers.

Stay tuned for a video conference organized by the DSA International Committee, as Andreína Chávez, a VA writer, and Carlos Ron, Venezuela's Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs for North America, discuss these pressing issues in depth.

The US-backed opposition candidate, Edmundo González, is one of the nine right-wing candidates vying for the Venezuelan presidency on July 28.
International observers and the opposition have expressed concerns about the reliability and transparency of Venezuela's automated voting system, overseen by the National Electoral Council (CNE).
In the 2024 presidential election, Edmundo González claimed victory based on unofficial results, while the official outcome favored incumbent President Nicolás Maduro, leading to allegations of electoral irregularities.
The upcoming 2025 elections for legislative positions and governors might exacerbate political tensions, given the challenges the opposition faces in participating due to legal and political barriers.