Venezuela’s Tragic Election: Destruction and Repression, Now on Par with North Korea
Venezuela, a country once hailed as the richest in Latin America has been destroyed over the past few years, its currency is worthless, its productivity is in the toilet and over 8 million of its people have left – this despite sitting on the world’s largest oil reserves. This election was a hope to reverse course and begin building again. But no. In 1977, Venezuela’s GPD per capita was over $50,000 in 2024 dollars. Now, Venezuela’s GDP per capita is down to $1,571, rapidly approaching North Korea’s $1,120.
Nicolás Maduro, the authoritarian leader who has ruled Venezuela for over a decade, has clung to power through a combination of electoral manipulation, brutal repression, and the silencing of dissent. The outcome has left the nation in despair, with countless citizens packing their bags, preparing to flee a country where the future looks increasingly bleak.
For years, many Venezuelans like Frankmer Valera believed in the possibility of change. Valera, a 28-year-old business manager, had been determined to stay in Venezuela, actively protesting against Maduro’s regime and hoping for change at the ballot box. But after Maduro claimed victory in an election that many believe was rigged, Valera, like millions of others before him, decided it was time to leave. “There’s no future here,” Valera said, capturing the hopelessness felt by many of his fellow citizens.
The Election Fraud: How Maduro Stole the Vote
The scale and audacity of the electoral fraud carried out by Maduro’s regime have shocked both Venezuelans and the international community. In the weeks leading up to the election, the opposition, aware of the potential for foul play, launched a meticulously planned operation to safeguard the integrity of the vote. Tens of thousands of volunteers were trained across the country to monitor polling stations and collect voting tallies, the official records of votes cast.
Despite these efforts, the regime employed various tactics to obscure the true results. Opposition observers at polling stations were often denied access to the tallies, and in some cases, they were forcibly removed or even detained by security forces. However, in a remarkable display of courage and determination, many volunteers managed to gather and digitize more than 83% of the voting tallies. These tallies revealed that Maduro had secured only 30% of the vote, while his opponent, Edmundo González, had won a decisive 67%.
This operation, described by experts as a “brilliant political move,” effectively exposed the regime’s lies. But instead of acknowledging defeat, Maduro’s government declared victory, claiming without evidence that Maduro had won with 51% of the vote. The regime refused to release the official vote counts, further fueling suspicions of fraud. As Andrés Pertierra, a Ph.D. candidate in Latin American history, put it, “Basically, the opposition is forcing Chavismo to own up to the fact that they’re stealing the election.”
Crackdown on Dissent: Maduro’s Reign of Terror
In the days following the disputed election, Maduro launched a brutal crackdown on anyone who dared to challenge his authority. The regime’s response, known as “Operation Knock-Knock,” was swift and ruthless. Over 2,000 people were arrested, including opposition leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens who had participated in protests. Human rights organizations have condemned the wave of repression as unprecedented in Venezuela’s recent history.
The arrests were both sweeping and selective. In some cases, people were rounded up en masse during protests, while in others, they were taken from their homes in the dead of night. The government even encouraged citizens to inform on their neighbors through a government app originally designed to report public nuisances. “Maximum punishment! Justice!” Maduro declared at a rally, adding ominously, “There will be no forgiveness this time!”
Among those targeted were prominent opposition figures like Edmundo González and María Corina Machado, who had campaigned on promises to restore democracy and rebuild the nation. Both are now in hiding, fearing for their lives. “These people should be behind bars,” Maduro said of González and Machado. “These criminals will never get into power.”
The regime’s crackdown has instilled a climate of fear across the country. Human rights activists and journalists have had their passports annulled, effectively trapping them in Venezuela. People are now afraid to leave their homes with their phones, fearing that the authorities might stop them on the street and search their messages for any signs of dissent. In one case, a man was arrested simply because the police found a meme critical of the elections on his phone.
Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, president of the Washington Office on Latin America, remarked, “I don’t think I have ever seen this ferocity.” The regime’s repressive tactics, she said, have reached new levels of brutality, with the government using every tool at its disposal, from security forces to technology, to silence opposition.
International Outcry and Domestic Despair
The international reaction to Venezuela’s election has been one of widespread condemnation. The United States, along with other Western nations, quickly recognized González as the legitimate winner of the election. Even traditionally sympathetic leftist governments in Latin America, such as those of Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, have called for Maduro to release the official voting tallies. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “Given the overwhelming evidence, it is clear to the United States and, most importantly, to the Venezuelan people that Edmundo González Urrutia won the most votes in Venezuela’s July 28 presidential election.”
Maduro, however, has shown no signs of relenting. Instead, he has doubled down on his accusations that foreign powers, including the United States, are conspiring against him. In a move that further isolates Venezuela from the global community, Maduro announced plans to ban the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in the country for 10 days, following a public spat with its owner, Elon Musk, who accused Maduro of major election fraud.
At home, the situation is dire. The hope that a democratic transition could bring an end to Venezuela’s suffering has been all but extinguished. Families are being torn apart as more and more Venezuelans decide to leave, joining the already massive exodus that has reshaped the region. Nearly eight million people have fled Venezuela over the past decade, driven by hyperinflation, economic collapse, and political repression. Now, with Maduro still in power, that number is expected to rise even further.
The exodus has split families, as a younger generation leaves for cities like Bogotá, Madrid, Miami, and New York, sending money back to Venezuela to help their older relatives survive. According to the Inter-American Dialogue policy group, about a third of Venezuelan households now depend on remittances from abroad. Jesus Seguias, who leads the polling firm Datincorp, warned that “migration is going to multiply enormously,” as more people give up on the possibility of change at home.
The Nation’s Bleak Future
Venezuela’s future looks increasingly grim. The combination of political repression, economic collapse, and widespread despair is driving a new wave of migration that will further strain neighboring countries and exacerbate the region’s humanitarian crisis. Those who remain in Venezuela are left with little hope for change, their dreams of a brighter future crushed under the weight of a regime determined to cling to power at any cost.
For those like José Mago, a 60-year-old father of five who has already seen four of his children flee the country, the prospect of reuniting with his family in Venezuela now seems like a distant dream. “Living here is to live with pain, sadness, bitterness,” Mago said, holding back tears. He plans to join his daughter in New York, leaving behind a country that has become unrecognizable from the one he once knew.
Laurent Barbosa, a 35-year-old from Margarita Island, echoed these sentiments as she prepared to leave for Colombia with her youngest daughter. “Deception, indignation, rage,” she recalled feeling when Maduro’s loyalists announced his victory. Despite the recent stabilization of Venezuela’s economy, Barbosa said she barely makes enough to feed her three children. “There is no way to keep fighting here,” she said. “I have to go.”
As the world watches, Venezuela’s descent into authoritarianism and despair continues. The tragedy of its stolen election serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the devastating impact of unchecked power. For the people of Venezuela, the future is uncertain, and the pain of separation and loss is all too real. In the face of such overwhelming odds, the only weapon they had—their votes—has been rendered powerless by a regime that refuses to let go.
This is the power of socialism and the totalitarianism that comes with it – the richest country in the world becomes almost the poorest.
Makes sense that Trump announced he will defect to Venezuela when he loses the election because he feels the US will be just like Venezuela. He’s so smart.
In his scattered rant of rage to Egod Mush recently Trump stated: “If something happens with this election, which would be a horror show, we’ll meet the next time in Venezuela, because it’ll be a far safer place to meet than our country. So you and I will go and we’ll have a meeting and dinner in Venezuela.” Oh yeah baby, another reason to vote Harris. I just gotta see this one.
But wait, there’s more, as if this guy could ever shut up:
“Their crime rate is coming down and our crime rate is going through the roof,” Trump continued. (our crime rate is down under Biden/Harris) “And it’s so simple. And you haven’t seen anything yet, because these people have come into our country and they’re just getting acclimated.” (because it’s so much better here under Biden/Harris?) Trump then added that Venezuela has cleared out “about 70% of their really bad people,” suggesting that said “really bad people” are now in the US. “Their jails are about 50%, put into the United States,” he said. “Same with other countries, over 30%. Some are at 50%. They’re all different. But the bottom line is they’re all going to be 100%. Why wouldn’t you put 100% of it?”
Maybe if Don focused on the US he would know our crime stats instead of knowing everything criminal and otherwise about Venezuela.
Stetsybaby, why don’t you do something for America other than run your lying mouth off? You do not know the half of anything. You see only what you want to see, then mouth off trying to get all who. reads your posts to believe you and only you have the correct information. (misinformation and disinformation so many times). I don’t post too often, but I do read all the posts. When I do post, the information I say is right out of Gitmo sources. I suggest you, Tom or anyone else posting – be very careful for what you say on here or anywhere else. We are all being watched everywhere. You could regret your narcissism. I am proud to be an American. I will not allow you to destroy that for me. So, go ahead, mouth off to me in your next post to me. I am with the editors, always of the PBP – not with YOU! Go ahead, I am waiting.
AF: you threaten me once again. Why the aggression? Why so defensive?
You are getting repetitious with your taunts.
It is NOT threatening in any sense. See, you did it again. Taking things out of context to fit YOUR narrative. I was trying to warn you, not hurt you like you do to me and others. Evidently you do not want to be friends with me. You think I am a threat. I do believe YOU are a threat to me, but I digress. I AM trying to be a friend to you. I speak truth. I say things like they are. I never ever beat around the bush even if it hurts me. Stop trying to make others dislike me with your mouth. I do have sources you are not privy to. Sources from certain paradigms of the government. BUT, if you want to continue your liberal attitude on this Conservative channel, you will eventually regret it.Things will happen that I have nothing to do with. It won’t come from me.Even now, all our posts are being watched. All websites are. The last thing I want to say is: What is wrong with you?
Again with the threats. “You will regret it.” “Things will happen.””it won’t be me.”
Well, who the fuck will it be? Cuz you are the only one saying it. You are the only one threatening. So, you know all about it. If it isn’t you, then who the fuck is it?
And what the hell is a “paradigm of government?” R u Russian? Does not sound like English to me. You do know grammarians are watching, don’t you.
Herd
I remember about 15 years ago, I was teaching Spanish at a Junior College, when I encounter a young man. I asked, where are you from? I am from Venezuela. Oh communist system, hum? I said. No, no, that is just Venezuela internal thing. They are not communist. Well, I said, he has nationalized the oil wells, the companies, TV stations and the press, and other things. To me, that communism. Naw, it will never happen in Venezuela. How wrong was this young man. I wonder what is he thinking now? I know from experience since I was born in Cuba how the communist work around that once they get into power. To get them out, it takes lots of blood.
This is what’s happening in Venezuelans and what they are experiencing. Now, how about the USA? Do you believe this is not going to happen in the USA? Are you going to be so naive that think that is not for the USA, and it will never happen. Are you going too bury your head in the sand? Once Kamala and her henchmen take over, you will never see them go away. This will be the last election only blood will get them out of the government. By them, the USA will be a very poor country just like in Venezuela.
Antonio G. Urbizu: oh my goodness, that’s a real name and you all live in Florida…… Hope they let you out someday :>) You are so lucky: my immigrant forebears had to change their names to assimilate or had them changed at Ellis for the convenience of the red tape bearcat across the desk. We are so much more liberal today to rejoice in such a non-European name.
Dude, you folks said that for Clinton, we are still here. You said it for Obama, in spades, pun intended, we are still here. You said it for Joe and I have never made or had more money —– much earned by investing in Capitalism including defense, guns, bullets, oil, and all sorts of things not associated with the green team.
We have three branches of Government: Legislative, Judicial, and Executive. The Judicial is yours at the top. Most conservative SCOTUS in history. The Legislative is two branches — Senate and House — you have the House, we have the Senate. Chances are you will own one post November, if by a hair. Us too.
And for the Executive, we will proceed as we have. YOU on the other hand, plan to strengthen the Executive office allowing you to treat more employees as appointees who serve at the pleasure of the President. To help you, The Heritage Foundation has a list of tens of thousands of Democrats to remove from their jobs. Not appointments, but jobs. And for cause? Yeah, the cause will be being a Democrat. Then, YOU, through The Heritage Foundation, have tens of thousands of Trumplicants loyal to Trump ahead of the Constitution, supposedly training but ready to start work. Yes, The Heritage Foundation is funding massive training for these tens of thousands of brown shirts as well.
Trump has announced his plans here to “enhance” the powers of the Executive Office and one can be sure he will use The Heritage Group’s assets to fulfill his final solution. We know who wants to reign as King with all the power and profits that entails. That freakin looks more like Cuba than anything Harris has announced or accomplished in her run for President.
I find it interesting that Dan Olivier, conservative, Trump supporter, finds it newsworthy to write about Maduro, who claims victory in an election, with absolutely no proof. Sounds pretty similar to the whiner we had in office in 2020 who insisted he had won with absolutely no proof. Fortunately for us, our judiciary is not totally corrupt and despite Trump’s best efforts (think Jan 6), he was sent packing. Just interesting commentary to me-so timely!
Stetson, I can also say F U. to you. Who the Hell do you think you are? You really are showing how deranged you are. Do you really want everyone to see how you really think and really are? Why do you have to pick, pick and pick some more? Do you really hate life so much? If so, get help. You hate me. You hate women, you hate Trump, you hate Conservatives, you are in love with Tom as you show it in your posts to him and he is in love with you as he shows it. You two are pricks of the worst kind. You again took my sentence of ” you will regret it” out of the intentioned context. That was again, not a threat, only a helpful warning. I tried to help you, not hurt you, yet you turn around and hurt me. You are NOT the owner of the world. You are not President of America. You are NOT my owner so stop trying to own me and everyone else. What? You live in a barn? Or do you even have any common sense? I believe your sole purpose in life to hurt all people you can. Have you been in trouble for that before? Spent time in prison for your awful mouth for saying untruths? God help you if that is the case.
AF: I never said FY or FU to you in this thread, that would be rude. I think I am Frank Stetson, a virtual guy with a liberal social attitude and a conservative fiscal one. I am a Clintonian Democrat as is a centrist more than willing to steal any good conservative idea. Apparently, yes, I spill my guts here for all to see. What’s that —- ten people? Kidding. I do not like Trump for logical reasons based on his “accomplishments” many of which have been proven in a court of law as criminal, liabilities, or fineable. He has always been that way, you are just newer to his game. As to the rest of your hate rendition — nope, no proof.
I don’t think you can take “you will regret it” or “things will happen” as anything but a threat. And the fact that the author says: “it won’t be me” does not absolve them. Especially if they can’t do the right thing and confess who “they” are that ARE making the threats. You obviously know, why won’t you speak out against threats instead of tacitly repeating them as if you agree, which it sure seems based on this thread you do.
You then claim I am in love with Tom and YOU think I am a prick. Hmm. Does not help your arguments.
I do not live in a barn, but I do have one. Built much of it myself. As to the rest, you sure seem to be having issues. Perhaps just do not read, do not respond. Hard for me to responds to the rest of your nonsensical meltdown. Whatever. Have a nice week end. We are done here, you can do no better.
And he probably sniffs bicycle seats
Jim, please do not say that about America First. It’s not true or nice. Is this something you like? Why even discuss?
He is a she, idiot Jim
Let’s send a man from Detroit.
Yes! Smart answer finally. Let’s send Frank. He knows everything. Just everything. He is God almighty. Mr. Perfect. Mr. Professor of everything.
Herd