Venezuelan Opposition Leader Calls for Boycott of Upcoming Elections

Maria Corina Machado, opposition leader in Venezuela, has announced a boycott of the May 25 elections, expecting polling stations to be ’empty.’ She argues that the elections are a farce to divert attention from Maduro’s past electoral disputes. In contrast, some factions, including Henrique Capriles’ group, plan to participate. The backdrop includes intensified political divisions and economic struggles for Venezuelans during Maduro’s regime.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has made headlines by calling for a full boycott of the upcoming gubernatorial and legislative elections scheduled for May 25. In a Zoom interview with AFP, she expressed her belief that polling stations would be “empty” during the vote, which she has labeled a farce intended to distract from the government’s disputed defeat in a previous presidential election held in July 2022. That election, where President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory, was largely contested by Machado’s party and dismissed by many international observers as illegitimate.

Machado asserted that the May 25 elections represent a significant opportunity for the opposition to showcase Maduro’s lack of support, proclaiming that he would be “absolutely alone” in this electoral process, as her party pushes forward with its boycott campaign. The state of the Venezuelan opposition remains complicated, as divisions exist regarding whether to participate or not. While Machado’s movement is advocating for a boycott, a smaller faction led by former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles has declared intentions to join the electoral process.

Controversially, Maduro has faced protests regarding his claim of a fair reelection to his third term, reportedly using security forces to suppress dissent. Machado alleges that there are fractures within the military’s allegiance to Maduro and stated that the regime finds itself in a precarious position.

Historically, the opposition took a similar stance during the 2020 parliamentary elections, opting out and thereby enabling Maduro’s allies to assume control of parliament. This absence led to a slew of harsh laws, according to rights organizations. Machado’s party boycotted the 2018 presidential elections as well, which further solidifies their stance against legitimatizing what they view as a corrupt electoral process.

In a pushback against the regime, Machado’s Democratic Unity Platform (PUD) released its own findings, alleging that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia secured two-thirds of the votes in a previous election, testing the waters for upcoming political maneuverings. Despite her ongoing struggles and hiding since July, she made a brief public appearance during a protest in Caracas prior to Maduro’s inauguration. Machado has emphasized that engaging in the election would only lend credibility to the regime.

Alongside these unfolding dynamics, Maduro’s party has already announced potential candidates, including for contested territories like the oil-rich Essequibo region, long managed by neighboring Guyana. Meanwhile, Capriles argues for participation, stating that voting is the clear path to challenge Maduro, despite ongoing challenges including punishing U.S. sanctions.

In a poignant remark, Machado defended the opposition’s position, relaying that the sanctions imposed are the direct responsibility of Maduro’s administration. She reiterated her commitment to persistently oppose his governance until the very end, highlighting the significant distress endured by ordinary Venezuelans amid deteriorating economic conditions, hyperinflation, and critical shortages of essential goods.

In summary, Maria Corina Machado’s call for a boycott of the May 25 elections illustrates deep divisions within the Venezuelan opposition. While some factions advocate for participation to challenge Maduro, Machado remains firm that boycotting will demonstrate the regime’s isolation and lack of legitimacy. With the backdrop of ongoing economic hardship and political strife, the situation in Venezuela remains tense, as opposition leaders like Machado vow to continue their resistance against Maduro’s rule despite the risks involved.

Original Source: www.news-graphic.com