Venezuela, the beginning of the end?
Fortius Consulting
Strategic consultancy specialised in non-profits and think tanks.
On Sunday, July 28, 2024, I stood before the majestic mountain surrounding Caracas, the imposing ávila. The sun was just beginning to rise, illuminating the still-quiet streets of the city. A mix of uncertainty and hope filled the air. As I looked around, I felt a blend of nostalgia and determination. Today, like millions of other Venezuelans, I was going to exercise my right to vote in an election crucial for our country's future.
At 7:00 am, I arrived at the polling station. Although the line was long and the wait seemed endless, the excitement of participating in this historic moment outweighed any discomfort. After several months in Spain, returning to my homeland to vote was a meaningful act. I was ready to do my part in the struggle for a new dawn in Venezuela.
I had already fulfilled my civic duty. Inside the room where I used to study, I observed the process attentively. First, I sat in one of the chairs arranged in a row. After a few minutes, the electoral officer appeared and called me by order to go to the assigned table according to the last two digits of my ID, a system that organizes voters into specific tables. The wait was brief, and the treatment by the table presidents and witnesses was cordial, something I appreciated amid so much tension.
With my ID in hand, I headed toward the voting machine. I placed my fingerprint on the machine and handed my ID to the officer, who verified it before allowing me access to the voting booth. Inside the booth, I indicated to activate the voting machine. Instantly, the ballot appeared on the screen. I pressed the button next to the name of Edmundo González Urrutia, the opposition candidate. I waited for my chosen candidate's name to appear prominently, and finally, I pressed the voting button. A confirmation paper came out of the machine, certifying my choice.
Folding the paper, I placed it in the ballot box, feeling a mix of relief and hope. As I left the polling station, I looked at the soldiers guarding the process. Despite the recurring "technical issues" I had heard about, everything had gone smoothly at my table.
The atmosphere in the streets of Caracas was tense but hopeful. Nicolás Maduro's government faced a serious political challenge in this election, which could either grant him six more years in power or end decades of Chavista hegemony. Edmundo González, a former diplomat, emerged as Maduro's main rival, representing the Democratic Unity Platform (PUD).
González, an internationalist graduated from the Central University of Venezuela with a master's degree in International Relations from The American University in Washington, D.C., had dedicated his career to diplomacy and international analysis. His involvement in the Democratic Unity Roundtable and his role as president of the board of directors of the Democratic Unity Platform, alongside María Corina Machado, had prepared him for this decisive moment.
Meanwhile, Venezuela was experiencing yet another day of the consequences of years of mismanagement and corruption by the government. The economic and humanitarian crisis had driven millions of Venezuelans to leave the country in search of better opportunities. Hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods, and constant power and water outages had left the population in a state of desperation. Additionally, the lack of infrastructure and basic services made daily life a constant struggle.
The electoral environment was no different. Difficulties voting abroad had left many Venezuelans in the diaspora without the opportunity to participate in this crucial election. However, those who remained in the country and those who could vote abroad clung to the hope of change. Like many others, I believed that together we could overcome the obstacles and that Venezuelans would continue to fight for our democracy and freedom.
As the day progressed, nervousness and hope mingled. At 6:00 pm, the polling stations began to close. The table presidents ensured that everyone present had voted before proceeding to close. In our center, as in many others, Article 141 of the CNE was followed, allowing the issuance of the records to be public and accessible to all citizens present.
After the records were issued, I returned home. As the night progressed, reports of irregularities and fraud continued to emerge on social media. Polling stations that closed early, others that opened late, and officials casting fraudulent votes. But despite these challenges, hope did not fade. Venezuelan citizens, both inside and outside the country, remained vigilant and committed to defending our vote.
The night brought a mix of hope and tension. The preliminary results at our center, Ricardo Zuloaga National School, specifically at table 4, showed an overwhelming victory for Edmundo González Urrutia, with 321 votes compared to Nicolás Maduro's 52. Cheers and applause filled the room, reflecting the fervor and hope of those present.
However, the government quickly tried to dampen this hope. Despite all the polls indicating otherwise, at 00:15, the CNE, under the control of a regime that has oppressed and looted our country for more than two and a half decades, announced the first official bulletin favoring Maduro, claiming he had received 51.2% of the votes compared to González's 44.2%. These results, with only 80% of the records counted, were met with indignation and distrust.
Despite the initial disappointment, the early morning brought a glimmer of hope. María Corina Machado and Edmundo González appeared on a YouTube live stream half an hour later, stating that with 40% of the records in their possession, González was leading with 70% of the votes. Their words were a relief for the hearts of all Venezuelans, reaffirming the commitment to democracy and freedom. The determination of the opposition leaders and international support renewed our faith that change is possible.
Today, more than ever, I feel the need to fight for my country. I write these lines with the firm conviction that the struggle for a better future is not over. This election day has been a testament to the resilience and courage of the Venezuelan people. Despite the adversities and injustices, we continue forward with our hope intact. Democracy resides in the body and soul of every Venezuelan, and with the support of the international community, we will achieve our rights and the freedom we so long for.
领英推荐
This day was a milestone in Venezuela's history, a day of unity, peace, and hope. May this chronicle serve as a testament to the strength and determination of a people who, despite everything, still believe in a better future for all. The victory of democracy is inevitable, and together, we will build the country we deserve.
While the shadows of Nicolás Maduro's regime attempt to darken our future, the light of hope and freedom shines brighter. Oppression and fraud will not silence the cry of millions of Venezuelans who today, with courage and determination, rose to defend their right to a better future. Edmundo González Urrutia's victory is a beacon of hope that not even the machinery of the government can extinguish.
Today, more than ever, I reaffirm my commitment to the struggle for a free and democratic Venezuela. Despite the government's attempts to stifle our voice, the will of the people will prevail. We will continue forward, with our faith intact and our hearts full of hope, until we achieve the freedom and justice our beloved country deserves. This is just the beginning of a new dawn for Venezuela.
Research Assistant at Fortius Consulting
Our Work
This summer, the activity at #Fortius has not slowed down at all. The pace has been frenetic, and our team has been present at:
Additionally, we have been working on strategy issues with several American think tanks following the news of Joe Biden's withdrawal from this year's November elections; and we have also been collaborating with various Venezuelan organizations in preparation for this Sunday's elections.
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