Venezuela Presidential Election Voting Ends... Maduro's Third Term or Regime Change?

The presidential election in Venezuela to elect a president with a six-year term concluded on the 28th (local time). It is expected to be a two-way race between incumbent President Nicolas Maduro, who is seeking a third term, and opposition coalition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who aims to block him. Foreign media predict a regime change while also expressing concerns about the possibility of election disputes involving Maduro’s use of force.

According to the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE), voting began at 6 a.m. and lasted for 12 hours. The day also marks the birthday of former Venezuelan president and political giant Hugo Chavez. The CNE reported that the number of registered voters is 21,392,464. Venezuela’s total population is estimated to be about 28 million. CNN reported a voter turnout of 54.8%.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

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Although 10 candidates ran in this presidential election, it quickly solidified into a two-way contest between President Maduro and candidate Gonzalez Urrutia. Since the death of former President Chavez in 2013, Maduro has ruled for over 11 years, basing his platform on 'Chavismo,' characterized by nationalist populism. His campaign promises include overcoming U.S. sanctions, strengthening alliances with neighboring leftist governments, and reclaiming disputed territories. On the other hand, the democratic opposition led by Gonzalez Urrutia has raised messages of change and unity, buoyed by hopes of finally overthrowing the Chavez-Maduro regime that has lasted for 25 years.

While the Maduro administration expresses confidence in the election outcome, Western media tend to predict a landslide victory for Gonzalez Urrutia. Criticism of Maduro’s government is strong due to severe inflation and economic collapse, migration of one-third of the population, rapid deterioration of diplomatic relations, and sanctions on the oil industry. The Associated Press (AP) noted, "Venezuela’s economy, once the largest oil producer and one of the most prosperous in Latin America, has plummeted under Maduro’s rule," pointing out "social unrest and mass migration caused by the collapse of oil prices and hyperinflation exceeding 1,300,000%." Major foreign media, including AP, estimate that 7 to 8 million Venezuelans have emigrated so far.

A voter in the capital Caracas told AP, "In the past, many people were indifferent to elections, but not anymore," adding that if Gonzalez Urrutia loses, they plan to apply for immigration to the United States where their relatives live with their children. According to a poll by Delphos in April, about one-quarter of Venezuelans are considering emigration if the Maduro regime is re-elected in this election.

The winner is expected to be announced around 12 p.m. on the 29th, Korean time. However, some fear that if President Maduro loses, the ruling party may launch a movement to reject the election results. Previously, Maduro stated, "If I lose, the country will become a bloodbath and be engulfed in civil war." The international community, including the United States, has urged Venezuelan authorities to ensure a peaceful election process.

In response, after voting, President Maduro moderated his tone, saying, "No one will cause chaos in Venezuela," and "I will accept the judgment and official announcement of the election." Candidate Gonzalez Urrutia also called on the current regime and military to respect the people's decision, stating, "We will turn hatred into love and corruption into honesty."

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