The Fallout of Venezuela's Election

A clear connection between the recent presidential election in Venezuela and the repression of dissent has been established, as Edmundo Gonzalez fled the country after declaring victory. Despite receiving overwhelming support, evidenced by opposition access to 25,000 voting machine receipts showing Gonzalez won 67% to 30%, the Maduro regime has maintained its grip on power through coercive tactics. The regime's fraudulent claims of victory have been publicly endorsed by the Supreme Court, which is controlled by Maduro, despite widespread calls for an impartial audit from major democracies in the region. As the situation escalates, with rising violence against demonstrators and increasing arrests, it appears that the Maduro government remains unyielding to both domestic and international pressures for reform.