Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Calls for Global Movement to End Maduro’s “Criminal Tyranny”
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has made a powerful plea for a global movement, inspired by the international campaign against apartheid in South Africa, to aid in the urgent liberation of her country from Nicolás Maduro’s regime. In a call reminiscent of the anti-apartheid effort that pressured South Africa towards democracy, Machado urged the world to unite against what she described as Maduro’s “criminal tyranny.”
While the global anti-apartheid movement did not single-handedly bring about South Africa’s transition to democracy, it played a significant role through economic, academic, and cultural boycotts. These efforts, alongside internal struggles, helped free South Africa from white minority rule in the early 1990s. Machado hopes for a similar international push to free Venezuela from Maduro’s 11-year grip on power. The impact of such a movement could apply pressure on Maduro’s regime and potentially lead to a transition to democracy.
Disputed Presidential Election Results
Venezuela’s opposition claims that their candidate in the July 28 presidential election, ex-diplomat Edmundo González, won in a landslide. Detailed vote breakdowns from over 25,000 of 30,027 voting booths seem to confirm this claim. However, Nicolás Maduro has refused to acknowledge this result, insisting that he won the election.
On Friday, a Venezuelan judge issued an arrest warrant for González, who stepped in to run after Machado was banned from participating in the election. This warrant has sparked outrage among left-wing governments in the region. Brazil and Colombia, both of which have been advocating for dialogue and peaceful resolutions, expressed “deep concern.” The UK’s minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jenny Chapman, condemned the arrest warrant as “unacceptable and politically motivated.”
González’s current whereabouts remain unclear, with reports indicating that he is evading capture by moving between safe locations. Several other opposition figures, including Machado’s confidant, lawyer Perkins Rocha, have also been arrested as part of a broader crackdown. Human Rights Watch has denounced the arrests, calling the regime’s actions “shockingly brutal” and revealing that over 1,700 people, including 114 children, have been detained.
A Call for Global Support
Speaking to foreign journalists amidst the escalating post-election crackdown, Machado expressed her desire for Venezuela’s democratic struggle to become a global cause, similar to South Africa’s fight against apartheid. “We want to engage not only with governments but with the people,” Machado declared, emphasizing the potential impact of a worldwide movement to highlight the importance of Venezuela’s current moment.
“We are facing a ruthless regime capable of anything … they have no limits in their cruelty,” Machado said, stressing her commitment to staying in Venezuela despite the growing dangers. “Every day that goes by is harder and riskier,” she added, but firmly stated, “I believe I must stay.”
International Reactions and Maduro’s Hold on Power
Nicolás Maduro’s determination to stay in power is bolstered by the continued support of the armed forces and authoritarian allies, including Russia and China. This, coupled with his government’s ability to repress opposition, has made meaningful political change difficult despite the country’s ongoing economic collapse.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, recently announced that EU states do not accept Maduro’s claim to victory, calling the situation in Venezuela untenable. Maduro’s recent appointment of Diosdado Cabello, a hardline ally, as the head of the interior ministry suggests an intent to intensify repression in the lead-up to his expected third term in January.
Opposition’s Persistence
Despite the crackdown, María Corina Machado remains hopeful and determined. She believes that efforts for a peaceful and orderly transition led by Edmundo González are still alive. “I don’t think we are in a stalemate,” she said, noting that movement is happening behind the scenes. Some within Maduro’s political ranks have reportedly reached out to her campaign, acknowledging the untenable situation. This resilience of the opposition should inspire and garner support from the global community.
“We have never been stronger than we are today, and the regime has never been weaker,” Machado asserted, citing widespread international recognition of the election’s irregularities and Maduro’s losses in areas that were once regime strongholds.
As Venezuela faces this critical juncture, Machado is calling on the world to rally behind her country’s fight for democracy. She urges global citizens to stand in solidarity, just as they did for South Africa decades ago. The support of global citizens is crucial in this fight, as it can help amplify the voices of the Venezuelan people and apply pressure on the Maduro regime.