In recent weeks, Floridians have rallied together in protest over the outcome of Venezuela’s latest presidential election. Venezuelan locals from Miami to West Palm Beach have voiced their concerns regarding the political state of their home country. For quite some time now, Venezuela has been dealing with economic stress and political tension, making this election a major deal for the citizens of Venezuela as well as any family members they may have abroad.
“The protests are a way to support Venezuelans in defending democracy.” said a Venezuelan, currently living in the U.S. who would prefer to remain anonymous.
For many years, Venezuela has been experiencing periods of political and economic turbulence. After former president Hugo Chávez passed away in March of 2013, Nicolás Maduro took over as the former president’s chosen successor and has remained in power ever since. However, the number of challenges that Venezuela has faced since Maduro took charge has raised some concern among voters.
Venezuela depends on oil, as it has funded over half of the government’s budget. Over time, production started to decline due to inadequate investment and maintenance, leading to an eventual collapse in the economy. This, along with hyperinflation and widespread corruption, are a few of the reasons why citizens have called on their national government for change.
Considering the pressing circumstances regarding political and financial stability, the stakes were high, as the election could’ve been a turning point for the country or it could’ve reaffirmed the administration’s hold on power, as Nicolás Maduro had been running for reelection.
Challenging Maduro on the ballot was retired diplomat Edmundo González of the Democratic Unity Roundtable party. Although he had never run for a major role in office, María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition politician endorsed his campaign after her candidacy had been outlawed by the regime. Together, the two presented the country with an opportunity to return to a democratic system over its long-standing socialist rule.
On July 28, 2024, millions of voters cast their votes, apprehensive about the possibility that the results might be tampered with. Maduro’s government had faced accusations regarding whether or not the outcome of previous elections had been skewed, but these allegations have since been denied.
Soon after the election, the results were announced. The National Electoral Council declared Nicolás Maduro the victor, although no evidence has been released yet to verify the results. This has left Venezuelan natives in disbelief, with many believing that the outcome had been manipulated in Maduro’s favor. After hearing this news, citizens took to the streets in protest, not only in Venezuela but also in Florida.
Thousands of Florida’s local Venezuelan population gathered at Bayfront Park in Miami this past week in light of the recent news, with protesters demanding the authentication of the results and the removal of Nicolás Maduro from office.
“Venezuelans that are here and can’t go back to their country use this method of protesting to provide support from Miami,” says Isabella Rondon, a sophomore.
Together, locals have taken a step towards change, as their voices echo internationally. Since the protests started, U.S. President Joe Biden and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have discussed the importance of Venezuela’s voting data being publicized. Overall, the two seem to be on the same page, working towards a diplomatic solution.
