While you were sleeping, Venezuela lost its first chance at freedom in 25 years. So what?
His hugely popular competitor, Edmundo González lost, according to the ruling party's election director in a 51-44% result.
Earlier last night, González's team confirmed neutral observers had only been able to enter approximately 40% of the polling and counting centers, even though Maduro's government assured observers would be allowed to enter all centers unencumbered. Prior to the election, former heads of state from various nations were not allowed to deplane at the Caracas airport and most were sent back to where they came from. Some were finally allowed to return, but only those approved by Máduro.
As of the neutrally certified numbers, González had received a record 80% of the vote, but by this morning, the reports were skewed significantly. González declared victory regardless of Máduros' declaration, but there is very little he can do to seize his rightful position as the country's first truly popular and democratic president in decades.
The incredible gulf in results and the inability of outside observers to do their work prompted most of Latin America's countries to call for accountability. They have refused to support the results. This also includes international calls from around the world for transparency.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was among those expressing sceptiscism after the results. He said the U.S. had "serious concerns that the declared outcome does not reflect the will or the votes of the Venezuelan people."
Even Argentine outsider but popular President Javier Milei declared "Argentina will not recognize another fraud, and hopes that this time the armed forces will defend democracy and popular will."
There is little chance of that.
Especially as strongman-led countries like Russia, Iran, North Korea, and others applaud the results and pledge continued support; pledges which will keep those countries allied to a virtual U.S. neighbor and for better or worse, oil and minerals partner.
I’ll include an article with a list of known comments from heads of state at the end of this opinion piece.
You'll note there is a stark contrast and predictable response between democratic and socialist leaning nations. But what's most dangerous are the various Latin American countries which have demonstrated support to Máduro.
It's no secret Latin America tends to lean toward socialist and dictatorship tendencies; be it a remnant of centuries of Spanish rule, or just the popularity of mid-20th century pundits. BUT the youth of Latin America desperately leans toward democracy. When their voices are silenced, they tend to leave. That is where the impact on the U.S. comes.
Young and disillusioned Venezuelans declared even before the election that if it was rigged, they would leave the country en masse. If their threats are real, those with the financial means will leave legally, while many of the poor Venezuelans will leave to find new homes illegally. Some will end up at our southern border asking for asylum.
Nícolas Maduro's dictatorship has now lasted two six-year presidencies and is set to continue another six. There's no reason to believe he will allow fair elections six years from now. There is an entire generation of Venezuelans who have never known anything but socialism. Maduro models his government in the style of his predecessor and mentor Hugo Chavez, who in turn modeled his after Cuba's Fidel Castro.
His hardline followers are mostly the ruling class, the military, and police. It isn't uncommon for any citizen who gets out of line to be beaten to death publicly to remind others what their fate is should they say or do anything against them.
This election, while seemingly far from the U.S. will affect us. It not only destabilizes an already fragile Central and South American union, but will also leave a generational void in a country desperate for young, educated, and courageous Venezuelan citizens to push back.
Socialism is like a virus; it spreads. And once it infects its host is hard to get rid of. Such is the example set by Máduro. Some Latin American countries will inevitably go the way of Máduro. The question is how many, how quickly, and how much of an impact they'll have on the U.S.
Comments
Post a Comment