Author: Andrea Serrano Santos
October 2, 2024
Introduction
On July 28, 2024, Venezuela faced yet another pivotal moment in its turbulent political history. In a nation where presidential elections are held every six years, this latest vote marked 25 years of Chavismo, the deeply entrenched political ideology that has dominated the country since Hugo Chávez first rose to power in 1999. Chavismo, named after the late former president, promised a new era of social, economic, and political transformation for the South American nation. In his first year in office, Chávez capitalized on overwhelming public support to push through a referendum that altered the 1961 Constitution, extending the presidential term and solidifying his grip on power. These sweeping changes laid the foundation for a regime that, under the leadership of his successor Nicolás Maduro, who assumed leadership after Chavez's death, has persisted despite economic collapse, political repression, and international condemnation.
Under Maduro, Venezuela has experienced one of the most severe economic collapses in modern history, marked by hyperinflation that reached over one million percent at its peak. The country’s once-thriving oil industry, which was the backbone of its economy, has deteriorated due to mismanagement, corruption, and international sanctions, leading to widespread poverty, food shortages, and the near collapse of public services. As a result, over 7 million Venezuelans have fled the country in search of better living conditions, making it one of the largest migration crises in the world. The opposition has repeatedly attempted to restore democratic order but has faced strong repression by the regime. Despite allegations of electoral fraud and repression, Maduro has remained in power, supported by an authoritarian regime and international alliances with countries such as Cuba, Iran, and Russia.
Electoral Fraud and Voting Manipulation
During Venezuela's presidential elections on July 28, 2024, significant electoral fraud was reported. Official results declared Nicolás Maduro the winner with 51.2% of the vote. However, data collected by the opposition indicated that their candidate, Edmundo González, had actually secured 67% of the votes, suggesting substantial manipulation by the Venezuelan government. Despite the government's claims that a hacking incident delayed the results by six hours, experts argue that hacking all 30,000 voting machines would be nearly impossible. Unlike other democracies that invite a large number of observers to ensure the legitimacy of the elections, Venezuela deported 16 regional politicians the day before the election, and the European Union's invitation was largely symbolic, because, despite the invitation, the Venezuelan government created conditions that made it nearly impossible for international observers to effectively monitor and assess the election process. Observers were often restricted in their ability to move freely or access key locations, hindering their ability to conduct impartial evaluations of the electoral process. Even observers like the Carter Center had to flee, declaring the elections undemocratic.
The legitimacy of the 800 "international observers" was questioned, with suspicions that they were chosen to endorse the manipulated results rather than provide an objective assessment of the electoral process. Furthermore, the National Electoral Council (CNE) is heavily controlled by individuals loyal to the Chavista party, undermining the integrity of the electoral process. The CNE is a key element in the regime's consolidation of power at the expense of democracy and human rights in Venezuela. The disqualification of opposition candidate María Corina Machado and the obstruction of voter registration for millions of Venezuelans further eroded the election's credibility. These actions indicate a deliberate effort by the government to maintain its grip on power, disregarding the popular will.
State-Sponsored Repression and Violence
In response to the post-election unrest, the Maduro regime launched "Operation Tun Tun," targeting dissenters. This operation involved widespread arrests and repression, with opposition figures detained and some seeking asylum in the Argentine embassy in Caracas. State resources were used to support the ruling party, and the opaque functioning of the National Electoral Council (CNE) played a crucial role in consolidating the regime's power at the expense of democracy and human rights in Venezuela. Paramilitary groups, or "collectives" financed by the Chavista regime, intimidated voters, even resorting to violence at voting centers. These groups also patrolled the streets after the vote to instill fear among the population.
The Maduro government enjoys strong support from the military, leading to widespread fear among those who might otherwise oppose it. The NGO Provea condemned the increasing repression in Venezuela, noting that repressive patterns have become entrenched, resulting in a growing number of victims. Provea emphasized that the presumption of innocence and the right to due process are nonexistent for those who dissent in Venezuela. The systematic violations of legal norms suggest that these actions are part of a state policy supported by institutions like the Public Defender's Office and the Public Ministry (MP).
Impact on Civil Liberties
According to the MP, more than 2,400 people have been arrested during the post-election protests, with the Prosecutor's Office recording an additional 25 deaths. The government blamed opposition leaders for the violence, further deepening the conflict. The opposition has warned that Venezuela could face a severe institutional crisis if the Supreme Court, seen as pro-regime, validates the controversial election results. This situation has sparked concerns about a worsening social crisis, with the potential for deepening social conflict in the country.
Foro Penal, another Venezuelan NGO, reported 1,503 verified arrests following the protests. Among the detainees were adolescents, indigenous people, individuals with disabilities, and women, with most arrests recorded in the Capital District, Carabobo, and Anzoátegui regions. Provea also reported that repressive practices are becoming increasingly ingrained, leading to an increasing number of victims. Arrests during post-election protests often occurred without judicial orders and due process, leading to widespread condemnation from both the victims' families and international bodies.
Stigmatization and Digital Repression
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemned the systematic persecution of dissenting voices and the arbitrary detention of journalists following the July 28 elections. The IACHR highlighted the growing repression and stigmatization of journalists and media, including the use of surveillance technologies and the extensive blocking of websites, which have created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. The crackdown on the media and the stifling of dissent in digital spaces are part of the broader strategy to control the narrative and silence opposition. This digital repression includes the use of surveillance technologies, propaganda campaigns, and cyber-patrols against those who criticize the regime or participate in protests.
The international community has been urged to support the victims of Venezuela's deepening human rights crisis, which has been exacerbated by the recent passing of the Anti-NGO Law. This law threatens to further undermine the defense of human rights within the country, as it imposes severe restrictions on the activities of non-governmental organizations, particularly those that receive foreign funding. The law is seen as part of the government's broader strategy to suppress dissent and maintain its grip on power.
Glossary
Anti-NGO Law: Legislation passed in Venezuela that imposes severe restrictions on the activities of non-governmental organizations, particularly those receiving foreign funding. It is part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and limit human rights advocacy in the country.
Chavista party: A political group in Venezuela associated with the ideology and policies of Hugo Chávez. The party supports socialism, authoritarian governance, and the continuation of Chávez’s legacy, particularly under Nicolás Maduro's leadership.
Chavismo: A political ideology named after Hugo Chávez, who became the President of Venezuela in 1999. It represents a blend of socialism, populism, and authoritarianism, characterized by state control over the economy, social welfare programs, and a strong military presence.
Civil Liberties: The fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals, including freedom of speech, assembly, and the right to a fair trial. The article discusses how these liberties are being eroded in Venezuela under the current regime.
Digital Repression: The use of surveillance technologies, censorship, and propaganda to control and suppress dissent in digital spaces. In Venezuela, this includes blocking websites and monitoring social media to intimidate critics of the regime.
Dissent: The act of disagreeing or holding opinions that differ from those of the government. In Venezuela, dissent is often met with repression and punishment by the regime.
Electoral Fraud: The act of illegally manipulating election results. In the context of the article, it refers to the alleged manipulation of the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election in which official results claimed Nicolás Maduro’s victory.
Foro Penal: A Venezuelan NGO focused on providing legal assistance to those arbitrarily detained and documenting human rights abuses, particularly during periods of political unrest.
Hugo Chávez: Former President of Venezuela (1999-2013) who established the political movement known as Chavismo. He led a constitutional overhaul and implemented socialist policies, which were continued by his successor, Nicolás Maduro.
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR): A body of the Organization of American States (OAS) that promotes and protects human rights in the Americas. It condemned the repression and persecution of journalists and opposition voices following Venezuela’s 2024 elections.
National Electoral Council (CNE): The government body responsible for overseeing elections in Venezuela. It is heavily criticized for being controlled by individuals loyal to the Chavista party, compromising the fairness of the electoral process.
Nicolás Maduro: The current President of Venezuela who succeeded Hugo Chávez after his death in 2013. Maduro’s government has been marked by economic collapse, political repression, and widespread allegations of electoral fraud.
Operation Tun Tun: A post-election operation launched by the Maduro regime aimed at repressing dissent. It involved widespread arrests and targeted opposition figures, contributing to the political repression in the country.
Paramilitaries/Collectives: Armed groups that support the Chavista regime, often used to intimidate and suppress opposition through violence. These groups are involved in enforcing the government's power, particularly during elections.
Pro-regime: Refers to individuals or groups that support and align with the ruling government, in this case, the regime of Nicolás Maduro.
Provea: A Venezuelan human rights organization that monitors and reports on human rights abuses in the country, including political repression and the violation of civil liberties.
Repression: The act of using force or authority to suppress or control a population. In Venezuela, repression is used by the regime to silence dissent and opposition through arrests, violence, and intimidation.
Stigmatization: The process of discrediting and labeling individuals or groups, often used by the Venezuelan government to delegitimize opposition leaders, journalists, and media outlets by branding them as enemies or terrorists.
Systematic Persecution: The organized and deliberate targeting of individuals or groups by a government. In Venezuela, this refers to the ongoing repression of political opponents, journalists, and activists by the regime.
Sources
Suárez, A. (2018). El fenómeno del Chavismo, explicado. France 24. Available in: https://www.france24.com/es/20180529-historia-fenomeno-chavismo-venezuela
Goyret, L. (2024). Cronología de los 25 años del chavismo en Venezuela: autoritarismo, corrupción, hecatombe económica y millones de exiliados. Infobae, Available in: https://www.infobae.com/venezuela/2024/07/28/cronologia-de-los-25-anos-del-chavismo-en-venezuela-autoritarismo-corrupcion-hecatombe-economica-y-millones-de-exiliados/
(2024). Falsa observación electoral elecciones Venezuela 2024. Transparencia electoral. Available in: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yn87kvBwGEIFx47toXcO69IvHlBrb_Bs/view
Hernández, A (2024). Cómo funciona el proceso electoral en Venezuela y por qué han puesto en duda el resultado de los comicios. Available in: https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/c2x0vlnzm17o
Maximiliano Pérez Gallardo. (2024). Deportaciones y detenciones marcan el último día antes de las elecciones venezolanas. France 24. Available in: https://www.france24.com/es/am%C3%A9rica-latina/20240728-deportaciones-y-detenciones-marcan-el-%C3%BAltimo-d%C3%ADa-antes-de-las-elecciones-venezolanas
Robles, F (2024). ‘Operación Tun Tun’: el gobierno de Venezuela detiene a quienes cuestionan la victoria de Maduro. The New York Times. Available in: https://www.nytimes.com/es/2024/08/10/espanol/venezuela-represion-detenidos-maduro.html
García, D (2024). Qué son los colectivos y cómo operan para "defender la revolución bolivariana" en Venezuela. Available in: https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-america-latina-40527998
(2024). Provea denunció que los “patrones represivos” en Venezuela “producen cada vez más víctimas”. Infobae, Available in: https://www.infobae.com/venezuela/2024/08/20/provea-denuncio-que-los-patrones-represivos-en-venezuela-producen-cada-vez-mas-victimas/
(2024). Represión en Venezuela: el Foro Penal reportó 1.503 arrestos desde el inicio de las protestas tras el fraude electoral. Infobae, Available in: https://www.infobae.com/venezuela/2024/08/18/represion-en-venezuela-el-foro-penal-reporto-1503-arrestos-desde-el-inicio-de-las-protestas-tras-el-fraude-electoral/
(2024). Venezuela passes “anti-NGO law” that punishes efforts to assist victims and defend human rights. Amnesty international. Available in: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/08/venezuela-aprobacion-ley-anti-ong-castiga-asistencia-victimas-defensa-derechos-humanos/