Venezuelans will keep fighting for democracy. They have no choice

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If you asked Venezuelans how they felt at the beginning of 2023, most would answer hopeless and resigned. Nicolás Maduro, the socialist dictator, had just crushed and co-opted many of the opposition leaders. More than 9 million people were starving, not able to eat three meals a day. Over 350,000 Venezuelans had recently fled the country through the Darien Gap, and the regime was bombarding those who stayed with propaganda that "Venezuela is fixed." For many, the dictatorship was seen as unbeatable. The dilemma was now whether to get used to the new normal or leave the country.

In this context, the fragmented opposition decided to solve its problem of unified leadership through primary elections. No one was betting on their success. But Venezuelans gave a lesson in democracy when 2.6 million stood against the regime on October 22 and nominated María Corina Machado with a 93% turnout. "Havana we have a problem!" was probably heard in the hallways of Miraflores, the presidential palace, as an unprecedented social movement was now focused on restoring freedom and democracy.

The reaction of the dictatorship was predictable. Machado was illegally banned from running for office and Professor Corina Yoris, the first opposition replacement, was blocked by the Electoral Council.

US, BRAZIL FLOAT NEW VENEZUELA ELECTION DESPITE