Venezuela: Socialists Begin Municipal Election Campaign While Opposition Backs Caracas Candidacy
In the political landscape of Venezuela, the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for July 27, 2025, are shrouded in uncertainty. The predicted outcome hinges on various factors, including internal splits within the opposition and calls for abstention, while the ruling Great Patriotic Pole (GPP) remains optimistic about retaining control over many municipalities.
The GPP, led by the United Socialist Party (PSUV), is a coalition of the ruling party and its allies. Key figures within the GPP, such as National Assembly President and GPP campaign chief, Jorge Rodríguez, have emphasized the importance of connecting with local communities and implementing projects.
On the other hand, the opposition, although fragmented and facing abstention calls, is expected to field candidates in various municipalities. However, specific candidates have not been widely highlighted in recent reports. The opposition's ability to unite behind common candidates and strategies is crucial for their success.
The elections will see voters elect 335 mayors and 2,471 municipal councilors. The campaign officially launched in mid-July, with both pro-government and opposition forces engaging in political activities across the country. Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE) has introduced a new Electoral Offer Disclosure System, aiming to increase transparency and democratic participation.
In the midst of this political fervour, the municipal vote comes on the heels of the May 25 legislative and regional contests, during which the pro-government coalition renewed its legislative majority and secured 23 out of 24 governor posts.
One of the hotly contested municipalities is Iribarren, in Barquisimeto, Lara state, where anti-government forces are strongly betting on Henri Falcón. Falcón, who was defeated by Maduro in the 2018 presidential race, is the main challenger against the PSUV’s Yanis Agüero in Iribarren.
Meanwhile, the Fuerza Vecinal party has set a priority of retaining the East Caracas middle- and upper-class municipalities of Chacao, Baruta, and El Hatillo. In the Libertador municipality, several opposition groups have rallied to support 26-year-old Jorge Barragán from Alianza del Lápiz, a newer opposition party.
Indigenous communities will appoint a further 69 representatives in accordance with their traditions. July 27 will also see Venezuelans vote on local state-funded projects as part of the third National Popular Consultation of 2025, focusing on youth initiatives.
The winning initiatives in the local project selection will receive US $10,000 of state funding, with local organized communities responsible for executing the projects and rendering accounts. Carmen Meléndez, running for a new term in the Libertador municipality in Caracas, opened her reelection bid with a rally in the working-class 23 de Enero neighborhood.
With 21.6 million citizens eligible to participate in the contests, the electoral context promises a heated competition. Out of the municipal councilors, 1,420 will be picked from party lists and 982 as first-past-the-post candidates. The ballot will feature 36 national parties and 10 regional ones.
As the campaign gears up, the GPP, including the PSUV, launched its campaign for the municipal elections on Friday. Chacao mayor Gustavo Duque vowed to "rout" his GPP challenger and win reelection in Chacao. The election promises to be a significant event in the political landscape of Venezuela, with the outcome likely to shape the country's future.
The General News in Venezuela is focused on the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for July 27, 2025, as both the ruling Great Patriotic Pole (GPP) and the opposition groups are intensifying their political activities in preparation for the contest. The GPP, led by the United Socialist Party (PSUV), is emphasizing community connections and project implementations, while the opposition, although fragmented, is aiming to unite behind common candidates and strategies for success.
