In a recent election, Venezuela’s opposition party won the governorship in Barinas State. Political analysts, however, are saying that the party is still losing in broader elections to the more powerful political party. The current party in power in Venezuela is the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, led by president Nicolás Maduro and founded by Hugo Chávez. However, Juan Guaido, an opposition politician, is recognized as the president of Venezuela by countries like the United States and Canada, even though he has minimal power. While the opposition party has had some recent success, Maduro’s party continues to control most aspects of Venezuelan life.
In a report to Aljazeera, ambassador to Canada Viera-Blanco said that Maduro and the opposition party should take time to negotiate to find a balance of power. In order for the country to be productive, some sort of compromise must take place despite different ideologies so that people have access to basic necessities and rights. According to Aljazeera, the U.S. also supports the possibility of these negotiations. However, analysts have noted that, with the economy on the rise and the opposition losing momentum, Maduro might not be receptive to negotiations with them since his party seems to be succeeding.
The ongoing political debates in Venezuela have isolated opposition members and supporters. Under the Maduro regime, Venezuela has faced many humanitarian crises, accentuated by violent forms of peacekeeping and control. As a result of these actions and because of the party’s beliefs, countries like the U.S. do not recognize Maduro as the president of Venezuela. They support the opposition, and should continue doing so, but distrust of Maduro’s regime should not be an excuse for the abandonment of the people in Venezuela. Placing sanctions on a country is an important step in distancing the world from the violence associated with the Venezuelan government, but other countries should also consider giving aid and resources to the opposition party to help combat the growing poverty rates.
Despite the governorship victory for the opposition party, Maduro’s party maintains national control, including of the military and economy. Although the opposition party accuses the majority of utilizing violent tactics and coercion to maintain elected positions, there are currently no actions being taken to reevaluate the elections. Even as the opposition party claims some victories, it is clear that Maduro’s hold on the Venezuelan government is still strong, especially as oil production is benefiting the economy.
After much economic turmoil, which led to extremely high poverty rates in Venezuela, Maduro’s party has started to improve the economy. This new control is making it difficult for the opposition party to secure positions of power. Many countries support the opposition party as opposed to Maduro’s socialist party, which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, but should be more active in providing Venezuela with aid for its citizens.
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