LISTEN: Expert breaks down what’s happening in Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela — Protests have erupted in Venezuela and around the world, following the presidential election that reelected socialist incumbent Nicolás Maduro. And most countries around the world have refused to accept the “official” results of the election that reinstated Maduro as leader. 

Listen to the full KSL at Night break-down with policy expert Ana Rosa Quintana 👇

 

It was a complex road to Sunday’s election, and the consequences from the results are leading to a complex future. 

The Associated Press reports that the Venezuelan National Electoral Council, which is loyal to Maduro, hasn’t released any polling results. While its not legally obligated to release results, it has in previous elections.

The opposition that supports candidate Edmundo González, who ran against Maduro, has released voting data that shows that González actually won the election in a landslide. 

Key world figures, including the U.S. and Brazil, are siding with the opposition. They agree that the CNE must release the election data. 

Today, I spoke with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues, including the emerging political situation in Venezuela following their presidential election.

We agree on the need for an immediate release of full,…

— President Biden (@POTUS) July 30, 2024

 

Demonstrators have rallied throughout Venezuela against the CNE for full election transparency. 

Policy expert weighs in

Ana Rosa Quintana is the Senior Policy Director at The Vandenberg Coalition and an expert on Venezuelan politics. She joined KSL at Night with thoughts on the full scope of what’s happening. 

“Maduro has not even shut down the election, he stole the election. There is verifiable proof that the opposition has released, from the tallies that were conducted at the tables at the polling centers … That have shown that Edmundo Gonzalez … has won by more than 70% of the vote,” Quintana said. 

This is as simple as a case of a dictator fraudulently stealing an election, she said. 

Some surrounding countries, like Ecuador, have acknowledged the election as fraudulent and said will withdraw diplomats from Venezuela, she said. 

Protests in support of election transparency are happening all over Venezuela, “including former Maduro and [Hugo] Chavez strongholds,” Quintana said. 

“We’re seeing police forces and security forces refusing to fire … something is changing … [they are saying] ‘why am I going to continue to be on the wrong side of history?'” 

Read more: Thousands of Venezuelans gather in Herriman City in honor of presidential election