Venezuelans head to the polls on Sunday to vote for their next president, this election will be marked by corruption, intimidation, and violence, just as other elections in the South American nation have been for the last 20 years.
Even though President Nicolás Maduro, who has been in office since 2013, and opponent Edmundo González Urrutia are neck and neck based on recent polls, few expect this election to be a truly competitive one. The Maduro regime has already barred nearly all opposition candidates from the national ballot for the presidency, weighing the scales in favor of the incumbent. Despite this, the presence of one real opposition candidate on the ballot adds a glimmer of unpredictability to the proceedings.
In addition to political oppression, it is important to call out the government’s bullying and coercion of religious people and institutions. Rhetoric against and attacks by the current regime on religious institutions, including Catholic priests, Jewish leaders, and other religious officials, have been documented in U.S. Department of State reports on international religious freedom.
Venezuela’s Decline from Prosperity
Venezuela once had the most promising and stable democracy in Latin America. With its abundant natural resources and oil wealth, it could have become a prosperous and developing society. Indeed, for many years, Venezuela was one of the top five oil-exporting countries to the United States, with a rich tradition of political freedom and market capitalism. A generation ago, the nation had some of the best social indicators for people moving out of poverty in Latin America.
What’s followed has been political and economic chaos. Before President Hugo Chávez died in 2013, he enshrined authoritarianism in virtually every corner of Venezuelan society while also decimating the nation’s political institutions and culture. Now, in the run-up to Sunday’s election, we are seeing fresh evidence of this under Maduro, particularly in the treatment of churches, pastors, seminarians, and parishioners.
One of the major symptoms of the regime’s repression of freedom can be seen through the worn-down civil society, especially the religious sector. Where the government is failing to act, it has fallen to the churches and nonprofits to feed the poor and provide alternative education for many. Religious leaders often take a stand for morality against the widespread corruption and state violence imposed on the public.
Regional Comparisons and Government Coercion
We have already observed the oppression of religious figures in other nearby countries like Cuba and Nicaragua. Sometimes it’s just the faceless bureaucracy that stymies the work of religious people and groups, making it impossible for denominational partners from other countries to do things like get visas or obtain property permits to build churches. Bureaucratic intimidation also includes surprise visits to church sites and the interrogation of pastors and priests.
But the government coercion in Venezuela has gone much further. Many reports say that pro-regime churches and nonprofit religious organizations receive financial benefits from the government, while some government leaders have openly criticized senior Catholic officials and some evangelical leaders as well, calling them foreign agents or enemies of the people.
But what are the church leaders’ real crimes? Calling out the oppression of ordinary people, speaking up about how the government’s policies are hurting citizens, and spotlighting the corruption that is rampant under the dangerous rule of Maduro.
Importance of Religious Freedom
Religious freedom is an important part of any democratic society for a number of reasons, from protecting the fundamental dignity of the individual to allowing the charitable work of faithful people to meet the needs of their neighbors. Religious institutions are among the last vibrant institutions in Venezuela to consistently attempt to advocate on behalf of the oppressed and to provide networks of charity and hope in a country where puppets of Maduro take the spoils as others are left out.
Venezuela’s true friends should continue to call out these human rights violations and press in every way possible for Venezuela to have a truly free and fair election – and society – this year and forever forward. The Western hemisphere – and indeed the entire world – would benefit from a Venezuela that respects the rule of law, protects the fundamental human rights of its citizens, turns away from antisemitic and anti-religious rhetoric, and ends policies that have led so many of its people to flee. That would mark an authentic return to the values that underlie how the nation was founded: as a society where the dignity and opportunity of every citizen are recognized, protected, and cherished.
In the backdrop of this political theater, corruption remains a pervasive force. The Maduro regime’s history of manipulating electoral processes through vote-buying, intimidation, and outright fraud is well-documented. This has led to widespread skepticism about the integrity of Sunday’s vote. Reports from international observers and local watchdogs have already pointed to irregularities in voter registration and the conduct of pre-election activities.
Violence and intimidation are not just abstract threats; they are real and present dangers for many Venezuelans. Political rallies for opposition candidates often face disruptions from pro-government militias known as colectivos. These groups, armed and backed by the government, have been implicated in numerous violent incidents aimed at intimidating opposition supporters and candidates. The climate of fear they generate makes it exceedingly difficult for genuine political engagement and expression.
Economic Despair
The economic situation in Venezuela further complicates the political landscape. Hyperinflation, food shortages, and a collapsing healthcare system have created an environment of desperation. For many, the daily struggle to secure basic necessities overshadows political concerns. This economic despair has driven millions of Venezuelans to flee the country, leading to one of the largest migration crises in Latin American history.
International actors have a crucial role to play in the unfolding drama. The United States, European Union, and many Latin American countries have imposed sanctions on the Maduro regime, aimed at pressuring it to allow fair elections and restore democratic norms. However, these sanctions have also had the unintended consequence of worsening the economic plight of ordinary Venezuelans, adding to the complexity of the crisis.
Despite the overwhelming odds, there remains a glimmer of hope among the Venezuelan populace. Grassroots movements and civil society organizations continue to push for democratic reforms and greater transparency. The bravery of ordinary citizens, who risk their lives to protest and demand change, is a testament to the enduring human spirit.
The church’s involvement in Venezuelan society cannot be overstated. In a nation where government institutions have largely failed, religious organizations provide critical social services. They run soup kitchens, offer educational programs, and provide a moral compass in a time of widespread corruption and moral decay. The church’s ability to mobilize and support communities has made it a target for the regime, which sees these efforts as a threat to its authority.
Global solidarity is essential for the Venezuelan people. Human rights organizations and democratic nations must continue to highlight the abuses occurring under Maduro’s regime. Pressure from the international community can help keep the spotlight on Venezuela and support efforts to restore democracy and human rights.
As Venezuelans prepare to cast their votes, the world watches with bated breath. The outcome of this election will have far-reaching implications, not just for Venezuela but for the broader region. A free and fair election, though unlikely, could signal a turning point for the country, paving the way for much-needed reforms and a restoration of democratic norms.
The election in Venezuela is not just a political event; it is a reflection of the broader struggles facing the nation. Corruption, intimidation, and violence have eroded the democratic fabric of the country. Yet, amidst the darkness, there remains a resilient spirit among the people. The international community must stand in solidarity with Venezuelans, advocating for their right to a free and fair election and a brighter future.
The road to recovery will be long and fraught with challenges, but with unwavering support and pressure from the global community, there is hope that Venezuela can once again become a beacon of democracy and prosperity in Latin America.
