The ratification of President Nicolas Maduro’s victory in the July 2024 presidential election by Venezuela’s Supreme Court last Thursday is fuelling political tensions and widespread unrest. The National Electoral Council’s decision to grant him another term in office has been met with criticism from independent observers, who labeled the election as undemocratic, and by the opposition led by Edmundo González, who has vehemently disputed the results. As a result, widespread protests against the government have broken out throughout the country, leading to the death of 23 protesters and the arrest of 2,400 people by security forces loyal to Maduro, who labeled them as extremists and fascists.

The international community has condemned the outcome of the election. The European Union, the United States, and various Latin American countries have refused to acknowledge Maduro’s victory, and have called on the National Electoral Council to disclose detailed polling data. For example, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, after recognising González’s victory based on electoral data, said it is “time for the Venezuelan parties to begin discussions on a respectful, peaceful transition in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of the Venezuelan people”.

The European Union’s High Representative, Josep Borrell, also urged the CNE (Consejo Nacional Electoral) to release “transparent and detailed publication of official electoral results”, while arguing for a “Venezuelan-led dialogue that provides guarantees to both sides and leads to the restoration of democracy and to solve the current humanitarian and socio-economic crisis”. Meanwhile, in contrast to most Western nations, Russia, China, and others have already congratulated Maduro on his victory.

The government and institutional bodies loyal to Maduro have refused to release detailed polling data on the election, while clamping down on opposition and human rights groups. A litany of undemocratic practices are underway. Aside from arrests conducted during the protests, the government has begun an investigation into opposition leaders for allegedly inciting the military to commit crimes, has forced the resignation of pro-opposition state employees, and has tightened rules on NGOs. This widespread crackdown on dissident, combined with the Supreme Court’s blatantly biased ruling in favour of Maduro, has shed a light on a stifling political environment that has infected Venezuela for over a decade.

This outbreak of civil unrest and political violence is the culmination of years of turmoil and economic instability under President Maduro, who, since he took office in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chávez, has overseen a decline in the nation’s prosperity. Once considered one of Latin America’s richest countries due to its oil reserves, Venezuela has been plagued for years by hyperinflation, acute shortages of essential goods, and a mass exodus of residents fleeing economic hardship. The ruling party has worsened all these problems through its illiberal-style of governance. The Socialist Party (PSUV) has systematically eroded trust and transparency in democratic institutions by exerting control over key bodies such as the CNE and the judiciary. The PSUV’s authoritarian tendencies have allowed Maduro to consolidate his power and to substantially weaken the system’s checks and balances.

The fallout from this disputed election is profound and far-reaching. The government’s harsh response to ongoing protests has escalated simmering tensions and has increased the likelihood of further violence down the line. The international community’s role in addressing this crisis will be crucial, as diplomatic pressure and calls for dialogue may be the only way to prevent a deeper descent into chaos. However, since both sides remain deeply entrenched in their positions – with the government refusing to publish detailed polling data and the opposition denying any collaboration with institutional bodies – the path to a peaceful resolution remains uncertain.