Venezuela's Political Protest

The case of Venezuela epitomizes how politics can rip apart a country. Massive protests erupted after the recent presidential election to contest the result that handed President Nicolas Maduro an unprecedented third term. The opposition has cause to cast doubt over the cleanliness of the election, in which there was no transparency and detailed voting tallies were not published by the electoral authority.

The government has only exacerbated the matter.

If anything, desperation was clear in their use of tear gas and firing rubber bullets on protesters; probably things will worsen. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado made calls for peaceful protests, but she is gradually losing control over the crowds. Venezuelans have long been angry and frustrated; it is only a matter of time until things escalate.

The Venezuelan case should be closely watched by the international community. The government of Venezuela has already been charged with the distortion of election results by the Organization of American States, so it is time for other nations to act. Indeed, concern was raised yesterday by the UN human rights chief regarding growing tension and violence, but more needs to be done to hold the government accountable.

The level of the economic and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is well-documented, with almost 7.8 million having fled in recent years. Evidently, the current government cannot get the country back to normality; change needs to come. Opposition campaiged with one sole contender, Edmundo González, who had a legitimate claim for presidency. But protests alone won't change anything. That government should be under pressure from the international community to respect the rights of Venezuelans by holding free and fair presidential elections.

The Venezuelan military will be the decisive element in bringing an end to this standoff. Although until now they have remained behind President Maduro, it is only a matter of time before they finally turn their backs on him. This smart call by the opposition to the military permeates. If the military changes sides, that would be a remarkable turning point and a signal of doom for President Maduro.

https://www.youtube.com/live/pC22ERhfGJE?si=nfPeS8E7gpIuwcde

The situation in Venezuela is moving toward a moment, either of the government clinging to power or of submission to opposition and international pressure. The latter is the only viable avenue, albeit needing much more pressure and persuasion. On the grassroots level, the people of Venezuela at the end of it will not keep silent and will still fight for their rights and their future.

Posted Using InLeo Alpha