Background on the Elections
On Sunday, Venezuela is holding elections to choose 285 members of the National Assembly and 24 state governors, including for the first time a newly created state representing the disputed Esequibo territory with Guyana. Over 21 million eligible voters are called to the polls.
Key Details
- Approximately 21 million voters are participating to elect 285 National Assembly members and 24 state governors.
- The election includes the representation of a newly created state for the Esequibo territory, which is contested by Guyana.
- Polling stations opened at 6:00 AM local time, with low voter turnout reported in the first hour.
Predicted Low Voter Turnout and Arrests
Delphos, a polling firm, predicts a voter turnout of 16%, with the majority being chavist supporters. Over 70 arrests have taken place, including Juan Pablo Guanipa, a close ally of opposition leader María Corina Machado.
These arrests accuse individuals of being part of a “terrorism network” to sabotage the elections. Machado has labeled the process a “farce” and urged her followers not to participate.
Government Measures and Opposition Response
The government has restricted land border crossings and suspended flights to Colombia, alleging that these measures are to prevent supposed “mercenaries” from attacking the electoral process.
More than 400,000 security personnel have been deployed for the election. Maduro has urged supporters to stand firm against what he calls “ultra-right-wing” attempts to undermine the election.
Chavismo’s Dominance and Opposition Calls for Boycott
The chavismo party holds 253 of the 277 National Assembly seats, while controlling 19 out of 23 current governorships. Opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for leaving all polling stations empty, following her rejection of the presidential results.
The National Electoral Council (CNE), accused of serving President Maduro, declared him the winner without publishing detailed vote scrutiny, contrary to electoral law. The CNE cited system “sabotage,” which they now claim has been secured.
Esequibo Elections: Symbolic Mandate
For the Esequibo region, voters will elect a governor and eight National Assembly members. Their mandate is initially symbolic, as Guyana administers this resource-rich 160,000 km² territory.
Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has denounced the election as a “threat,” while the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has urged Venezuela to refrain from holding these elections, given an ongoing border dispute case.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of these elections? Venezuela aims to strengthen President Nicolás Maduro’s power by electing 285 National Assembly members and 24 state governors.
- Why is there low voter turnout expected? The opposition has called for a boycott, and polling firm Delphos predicts only 16% voter participation.
- What is the Esequibo territory dispute? The Esequibo region is contested between Venezuela and Guyana, with Guyana administering the territory despite Venezuela’s claim.
- Why are there arrests related to these elections? The government accuses individuals of forming a “terrorism network” to sabotage the elections, leading to over 70 arrests.
