05 Aug 2024 | 08:53 PM UTC
Venezuela: Protests, flight, and ground transport disruptions likely to continue through mid-August following disputed presidential election /update 6
Disruptions, clashes, with the possibility of violence, likely to continue through mid-August in Venezuela following disputed election.
Flight and ground transport disruptions, as well as protests and clashes, including some instances of violence, are likely to continue in Venezuela through at least mid-August following the disputed July 28 presidential election. Venezuelan authorities canceled all international flights connecting the country to Peru, Dominican Republic, and Panama until at least Aug. 30 because those countries' governments did not accept President Nicolas Maduro's reelection. Venezuela's National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral, CNE) proclaimed Maduro as the winner, but it has failed to show details of the results despite being legally required to do so. The opposition claims its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, is the winner and has posted a website with results of more than 80 percent of the country's polling stations.
Protests have been occurring since July 29, and nongovernment organizations claim more than 20 demonstrators have been killed and over 1,000 arrested. Demonstrations are likely to continue; however, they are likely to be smaller and less disruptive over the coming days. Protests are especially likely in major cities, including Caracas, Maracaibo, Valencia, Barquisimeto, and San Cristobal.
Security forces and government supporters are likely to clash with demonstrators, at times using tear gas, rubber bullets, and, in some instances, lethal force. Protesters are likely to set tires, trash, and other objects on fire to close roads and throw rocks and objects at the police and military. Acts of violence and vandalism are possible, especially against government properties. Disruptions to ground transport and business operations are possible. Flight suspensions will almost certainly cause extensive disruptions to international travel to and from Venezuela. Additional cancellations of international flights cannot be ruled out.
Officials could impose curfews or cut telecommunications services in an effort to curb unrest. Authorities may also attempt to carry out mass arrests of protesters, as well as preemptively detain figures linked to the political opposition.
Plan for disruptions to flights transiting through Panama, Peru and the Dominican Republic; consider making alternative transportation plans. Do not check out of accommodations until flights are confirmed. Avoid all gatherings as a standard precaution. Reconfirm the status of transport services and road routes before travel. If violence erupts in your area, depart the vicinity and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks set up by protesters. Heed the advice of officials. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions.
The CNE announced late July 28 that President Nicolas Maduro received close to 52 percent of the vote, over opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who received 44 percent. However, the opposition coalition disputed the numbers, and has published detailed results of the election, based on printouts of most voting centers throughout the country. According to their results, Gonzalez Urrutia obtained more than 67 percent of the vote.
The Carter Center, one of the few independent electoral observers allowed in the Venezuela election, issued a statement late July 30 claiming the presidential election did not meet international standards and cannot be considered democratic. Multiple governments have also criticized the process, demanding the CNE to release details of the results. A spokesperson for the US National Security Council said the results announced by the CNE do not reflect the will of the Venezuelan people. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, traditionally allies of Maduro, continue to demand transparency from the CNE and have called for the end of violence against demonstrators.
On July 29, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil ordered all diplomatic staff from Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republican, and Uruguay to leave Venezuela with immediate effect following these governments' refusal to accept the results of the election without a detailed accounting.
President Maduro requested Venezuela's highest court to conduct an audit of the election, and has insisted on his victory. He claimed the violence of the streets has been perpetrated by the opposition, and requested Machado and Gonzalez Urrutia to be arrested.
