Venezuela’s recent presidential election has ignited widespread criticism and calls for international justice. On August 20, 2024, incumbent President Nicolás Maduro declared victory amid serious allegations of voter suppression, intimidation, and irregularities. Expected to win by a landslide with 65% of the vote, Maduro’s victory has been fiercely contested by opposition factions and the international community. Already grappling with economic collapse and a severe humanitarian crisis, Venezuela now faces the prospect of further instability as the legitimacy of its leadership is questioned.

Amnesty International reports that the election process was marred by human rights abuses, including detentions and threats against opposition figures. The organisation also highlighted that the elections failed to meet basic democratic standards, exacerbating divisions within Venezuelan society. The international reaction was swift and resolute. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the elections as a “fraud,” asserting that the process was “neither free nor fair.” The European Union echoed this sentiment, with EU Foreign Affairs Chief, Josep Borrell, declaring that the elections were “not indicative of a progressive democratic process.” Juan Guaidó, the opposition leader who declared himself interim president in 2019, has called for nationwide protests, urging Venezuelans to reject the results and demand new elections under international supervision. “This is not just about Guaidó’s unexpected rise to power,” Guaidó stated, “this is about the future of our country and the survival of democracy in Venezuela.”

The response to Venezuela’s contested elections should be commended for taking a strong stand against electoral fraud and human rights violations. Rejecting undemocratic practices is crucial, but the path forward must focus on non-violent solutions. While calls for protests are understandable, it’s important to stress peaceful methods to prevent further violence and instability. What is most needed now is support for peaceful dialogue and new elections under impartial supervision to safeguard Venezuela’s democracy. The priority should be to foster constructive engagement between opposing parties, ensuring that all voices are heard without resorting to aggression.

Venezuela’s crisis has deep roots in economic decline, corruption, and political instability. The origins of the current crisis can be traced back to the early 2000s when the late Hugo Chávez established a socialist government that increasingly centralised power and marginalised political opposition. His successor, Nicolás Maduro, has continued this legacy, leading to widespread corruption, economic mismanagement, and the erosion of democratic institutions.

The 2018 presidential election, which was also tainted by allegations of fraud, marked a turning point as Guaidó challenged Maduro’s presidency and gained recognition as the legitimate leader from more than 50 countries. Despite this, Maduro has retained control, largely due to support from international allies. While Maduro’s government dismisses these accusations as “foreign interference” aimed at undermining Venezuela’s sovereignty, the opposition’s rejection of the results could lead to long-term civil unrest. The potential for increased conflict is particularly concerning given the already dire conditions in the country. With millions suffering from food and medicine shortages and over six million having fled in recent years, any escalation could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. It is crucial for all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue rather than resorting to violence, which would only worsen the suffering of the Venezuelan people.

The outcome of Venezuela’s contested elections holds the potential to shape the future of both the nation and the broader region. If the international community succeeds in facilitating a peaceful resolution, Venezuela has the opportunity to transition toward renewed democratic governance and stability. Effective, inclusive dialogue in the coming weeks could lead to significant progress and restore faith in democratic processes. In this period of uncertainty, prioritising inclusiveness and fostering constructive dialogue between conflicting parties is key to rebuilding stability. The international community’s support for peaceful negotiations and the protection of human rights will be crucial in helping Venezuela navigate this challenge and reaffirm its commitment to democratic principles.