WASHINGTON.- In the framework of the presidential elections scheduled for this Sunday in Venezuelathe White House national security spokesman, John Kirbymade an emphatic call for elections free of violence and with full citizen participation.
During a press conference, Kirby said: “We support the peaceful elections that we hope will be held on Sunday, elections that we hope will reflect the will and aspirations of the Venezuelan people for a more democratic, stable and prosperous future.”
Kirby also condemned any form of political repression and violence during the electoral process. “Any political repression and violence is unacceptable. And of course, regardless of who wins, we encourage both candidates to engage with the results in a peaceful manner and to work together for the good of all Venezuelans,” he stressed.
“Bloodbath”
In recent weeks, dictator Nicolás Maduro has stepped up his public activities. He recently appeared on state television at a ceremony to graduate 25,000 police officers, praising them as the first line of defense against what he described as conservative attempts to provoke tragedy. Maduro has also promoted numerous others.
“The fate of Venezuela depends on our victory. If they do not want Venezuela to fall into a bloodbath, into a fratricidal civil war produced by the fascists, let us guarantee the greatest success, the greatest victory in the electoral history of our people,” said the dictator.
The military hierarchy has firmly aligned itself with Maduro, actively participating in politics rather than limiting itself to its traditional role of ensuring election security. General Sunday Hernandez Larezhead of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, posted an image on social media in which the opposition was supposedly seen Maria Corina Machado calling for the “elimination” of the armed forces, an accusation she denied and which a press monitoring group considered manipulated.
Military discontent
Discontent within the armed forces is palpable. Since Hugo Chavez came to power in 1998, the military has been key to political control. Maduro, lacking the military pedigree of his predecessor, has instead promoted his own allies, some of whom face accusations of corruption and human rights violations. In addition, the National Guard has reinforced its equipment with riot gear and armored vehicles for potential unrest.
Retired Gen. Rodolfo Camacho, a Maduro opponent, said the government has severely punished soldiers who deviate from the official line. About half of the 301 currently jailed opponents are military personnel, according to the Caracas Penal Forum.
Although a revolt in the barracks is not expected, the former US ambassador to Venezuela, William Brownfieldnotes that discontent among the military is widespread. The deteriorating economy, which contracted by 71% between 2012 and 2020, and runaway inflation, have reduced the attractiveness of military benefits, increasing desertion among the troops.
Gen. Manuel Cristopher Figuera, a former spy chief, suggests that the challenge to Maduro could emerge from the military ranks in the form of resistance to cracking down on protests. Opposition leaders have vowed to “defend” the vote in the event of manipulation, and the recent history of political violence has led many Venezuelans to prepare for post-election protests.
Source: With information from Europa Press and AP