Venezuelan Opposition Mobilizes 27,000 'Vote Defense' Teams for July Presidential Election

The Venezuelan opposition has established 27,000 'vote defense' teams while the country gears up for the presidential election on July 28. This move aims to ensure electoral integrity amid a politically charged atmosphere.

Earlier this year, the opposition conducted a primary campaign that saw candidates visiting most of the 335 municipalities in Venezuela. The campaign was marked by 37 documented attacks on candidates, including roadblocks, arrests, and persecution. Female candidates, such as María Corina Machado and Delsa Solórzano, were disproportionately targeted, with 17 attacks recorded against them.

A geodata map developed by VE360 reveals the extent of the candidates' tours, highlighting the localities visited and the aggressions suffered. The map provides a comprehensive view of the networks and strongholds of various parties, including Acción Democrática, Primero Justicia, and Un Nuevo Tiempo. Carlos Prosperi, the Acción Democrática candidate, showcased the vast network his party still maintains across the country.

The Venezuelan opposition's creation of 27,000 'vote defense' teams highlights the country's ongoing struggle for democratic legitimacy and the importance of free and fair elections in the face of impending threats to their integrity. The outcome of this election will have significant implications for Venezuela's political future and potentially impact regional stability.

The primary campaign generated a sense of hope and renewal among many Venezuelans. 'The primary changed all of this. This has raised people's spirits. They feel that a kind of hope is reborn,' said Félix Seijas, director of the pollster Delphos.

Meanwhile, opposition leader María Corina Machado faces intense government pressure. Machado, who won an opposition primary last year but was ruled out of the presidential race by courts loyal to incumbent Nicolás Maduro, remains a prominent figure in the opposition. Authorities have cracked down on her supporters, with businesses and individuals facing retaliation for their association with her.

Three food vendors, sisters Corina Hernandez and her siblings, had their shop temporarily shuttered by Venezuelan authorities after selling breakfast to Machado. The authorities imposed a 15-day closure and fined them $300. Despite this, the sisters have continued their business under a tree, where support for Machado has only grown.

A fisherman, Rafael Silva, who helped Machado cross a river, fled in fear after the coast guard confiscated his canoe and started looking for him. Additionally, at least four hotels that hosted Machado have been closed by the authorities.

Despite these challenges, Machado continues her campaign, urging Venezuelans to vote for Edmundo Urrutia, who replaced her being the consensus opposition candidate.

The creation of 27,000 'vote defense' teams highlights the opposition's determination to safeguard the electoral process. As Venezuela approaches the July 28 presidential election, the stakes remain high, with both sides preparing for a contentious and closely watched vote.

Key Takeaways

• Venezuelan opposition establishes 27,000 'vote defense' teams for July 28 presidential election.
• Opposition candidates faced 37 attacks, including roadblocks and arrests, during primary campaign.
• Female candidates, like María Corina Machado, were disproportionately targeted with 17 attacks.
• Machado faces intense government pressure, with supporters facing retaliation and businesses being shut down.
• Opposition's 'vote defense' teams aim to ensure electoral integrity amid a politically charged atmosphere.