The U.S. is maintaining a hawk’s eye on European Union’s involvement and stance on Venezuelan elections. They have recently sent out ‘electoral observers’ to Venezuela, which has dented the trans-Atlantic relationship.
It had been over 16 years that the EU decided to not send electoral observers, which aligned with the U.S.’s policy of maintaining no diplomatic relations with the country. However, the current stance does not yield too good results for the incumbent Juan Guaido, which worries the White House.
Juan Guaido is currently recognized by 60 governments worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, and Latin American as well as some European Countries. However, on the other hand, Russia, China, South Africa, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and Turkey recognize Hugo Chavez’s close aid Nicolas Maduro as the legitimate ruler of the state.
This stalemate has left the citizens at the mercy of corrupt government, and rampant red-tapism. With Trump maintaining a harsh stance on Nicolas Maduro and imposing sanctions on the country the position has not been much altered under the Biden administration either.
The elections are much required in the oil-rich state, currently under an authoritarian rule, where the population is dissatisfied and divided. It poses a threat to democracy, as the incumbent government is not showing any sign of developing the country, and controlling inflation. The anger is also directed towards the opposition leader, for his lack of dedication towards building a future to look forward to.
This endangers the stronghold of the U.S. in the region. The majority of the parties are reportedly opposed to keeping Guaido in Office for another year. With rising closeness towards Russia since the start of the century, they bought arms and ammunitions worth Billions of dollars.
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The increasing closeness between Venezuela and Russia as well as the lending of money and other resources since the cold war has kept the U.S. on its toes. The worrisome nature of the elections that might be held poses a question for the political pundits.
Promoting deep-rooted authoritarianism, Maduro may have already taken out its worst adversaries, or coerced those who posed a threat to his ascent to power. This shall prove to be a loss not only for the citizens of the country but the Latin American continent too shall suffer its rippled effects.
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