The Big Story

On the ground in Venezuela's electoral standoff

Aug 7, 2024

Nicolás Maduro, the controversial president of Venezuela, asserts he won a disputed election, while opposition leader Edmundo González demands a power transfer. The podcast dives into the tension between citizens protesting for democracy and the government's crackdown on dissent. Discussions center on the implications for global democracy and the international community's role in supporting a peaceful transition. With the political landscape in turmoil, both hope and fear persist among the Venezuelan populace facing this authoritarian regime.

24:31

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Episode guests

Nicolás Maduro

Edmundo González

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Quick takeaways

The electoral conflict in Venezuela reveals a significant crisis in democracy, exacerbated by Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian rule and disputed election results.

Widespread protests and a shift in public sentiment against Maduro indicate growing dissent among citizens, particularly in previously supportive impoverished neighborhoods.

Deep dives

Crisis of Democracy and Venezuelan Elections

The global rise of authoritarianism is highlighted, particularly in Venezuela, where the outcome of presidential elections has come under severe scrutiny. President Nicolas Maduro, who has been in power for over a decade, faces opposition from Edmundo Gonzalez, a candidate with significant backing but limited public recognition prior to the elections. The election results have been disputed, with Maduro's government claiming a slim victory, while the opposition argues they secured a substantial win based on independent tallies. This conflict not only raises questions about Venezuela's political stability but also reflects a broader crisis affecting democracies worldwide.

Intro

2min

Contested Elections and Protests in Venezuela

15min

Navigating Venezuela's Political Landscape: Possibilities for Power Transition

2min

Tension and Intimidation in Venezuela's Political Landscape

2min

Venezuela's Impact on Global Democracy: Lessons and Implications

3min

It's been well over a week since Venezuelans votes, by all accounts, to send president Nicolás Maduro packing. He hasn't left office, and has instead presented results that claim he, in fact, won the election. Hundreds of thousands of citizens have taken to the streets to demand he transfer power to opposition leader Edmundo González. Thousands of those protesters have been detained.

Democracy around the world is under threat, and nowhere is this more clear than in a country with a president that has become more authoritarian every year. So as the world watches, what happens now in Venezuela? What can the international community do to push for the peaceful transfer of power? And what happens if Maduro simply refuses?

GUEST: Mie Dahl, reporting in Caracas, Venezuela

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