Two men are fighting for Venezuela's presidency this week
Two men are fighting for Venezuela's presidency this week
Venezuela is about to be inaugurated from a new head of state - but there are two men who claim to be the lawful president of the country. The incumbent President Nicolás Maduro will take part in a swearing -in ceremony on January 10th to start his third term. Despite the fact that many countries worldwide, many countries are challenged by the victory of the presidential elections in July.
The challenger and the situation in the country
his challenger, Edmundo González Urrutia, who has lived in exile in Spain since September, plans to return to the capital of Caraca until January 10th to take up his office, even when the Venezuelan authorities are being threatened. This situation raises questions about the takeover of power and the possible consequences for the country and the region.
How did this situation come about?
Both Maduro and González claimed the victory in the presidential election on July 28th. The Venezuela National Election Committee, who is strongly staffed by Maduro allies, formally declared Maduro to be the winner without disclosing the voting count. The opposition questioned this claim and published tens of thousands of votes from all over the country, which should prove that González had won with an overwhelming result.
protests and international reactions
Independent observers and an analysis of CNN came to the conclusion that the results published by the opposition were probably valid. Several countries, including the United States, recognized González in recent months as elected presidents. Thousands of Venezuelans protested the results immediately after the elections and called for transparency. Many took to the streets and came into conflict with the police, frustrated with the perspective of another term of Maduro. The Venezuelan government reacted with a massive Hundred minors, in the first week after the elections.
What happens on the day of the inauguration?
González could try to enter the Venezuelan capital together with important supporters. Former Colombian President Andrés Pastrana told CNN that he and eight other ex-presidents from Latin America want to accompany González to Caracas, but without announcing details of the trip. However, it could be risky to enter Venezuela. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned that González and all former presidents who accompany him would be arrested when he arrived in Venezuela.
security measures and threats
Maduro said he had already received an invitation from the National Assembly to be sworn in on Friday. He emphasized that the event will take place in "Peace, National Unity and together with the people" and announced drastic security measures. In the days before the inauguration, Venezuela reported that more than 125 people were arrested - including foreigners from several countries, which were accused of "destabilization actions" as "mercenaries". In addition, the police and militias were integrated with the military and troops across the country were used to maintain order before the swearing -in ceremony.
international effects
If Maduro should take office again, this could further deteriorate diplomatic relationships with many neighboring countries. A number of countries in the region have already refused to recognize its rule and instead stood on the side of González. Venezuela broke off relationships with several countries that questioned the official election results and showed some diplomats. The inauguration could also have an impact on migration across America. Under Maduro's presidency are up to from venezuela fled, which means that many thousands of kilometers have covered the USA and other countries.
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