In July, several election volunteers for Venezuela’s opposition party made a shocking discovery: Edmundo González had defeated Nicolás Maduro in the election. However, their celebrations were short-lived as they soon found themselves facing death threats from Maduro’s supporters. Fearing for their lives, these election observers were forced to flee the country and go into hiding.
One of these volunteers, Anthony, is currently hiding in a Colombian city on the border with Venezuela. He recounts how he was targeted by paramilitary groups known as “colectivos,” who are key enforcers for Maduro. Along with other election workers, Anthony fled to Cúcuta, where they are living in fear for their safety and the safety of their families back in Venezuela. To protect their identities, they have chosen not to show their faces or use their full names.
The stories of these election observers provide firsthand evidence of a post-election crackdown that has largely gone unnoticed by the public. The vote tallies collected by these volunteers, along with other observers, were made public and showed that González had actually won the majority vote. Despite doubts raised by many countries, including the United States, Maduro continues to claim victory in the election. He and his supporters have now labeled the opposition as terrorists and have been sending threats through phone messages and even showing up at their homes.
The men who fled Venezuela were from various backgrounds – a bread maker, a chef, a salesman, and an engineer. The New York Times reviewed evidence that supported their claims of being targeted as election observers. These men had been politically active before, but they say that the threats they faced after the election felt more brazen and direct. Celso Barbosa, who fled Venezuela himself six years ago, helped these men escape the country after the July elections. He recently attended a protest in Colombia calling for Maduro to step down from office.
Meanwhile, Maduro has yet to release his electoral record, and González has fled to Spain after a Venezuelan court issued an arrest warrant for him. The men who fled Venezuela believe that if Maduro is sworn in as president in January, more people will be forced to leave the country to escape persecution.
The situation in Venezuela has been tumultuous for years, with political unrest and economic instability plaguing the country. The election results further intensified the crisis, leading to violence and threats against those who dared to challenge the ruling government. The plight of these election observers highlights the dangers faced by those who speak out against the regime in Venezuela.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela, with many countries expressing concerns about the legitimacy of the election results. The United States, in particular, has been vocal in its criticism of Maduro and his government. The threats faced by the election observers have only added to the growing calls for Maduro to step down and allow for a democratic transition of power.
As the world continues to watch the events unfolding in Venezuela, the fate of the election observers remains uncertain. Will they be able to return to their homeland safely, or will they be forced to remain in hiding indefinitely? The answers to these questions will depend on the actions taken by Maduro and the international community in the coming months.
In the meantime, these brave individuals who risked their lives to ensure a fair election in Venezuela continue to live in fear, unsure of what the future holds for them and their families. Their story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to stand up against oppressive regimes and fight for democracy and freedom. It is a testament to the resilience and courage of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
