04 Sep 2024 | 02:14 PM UTC
Venezuela: Protests, flight, and ground transport disruptions likely to continue nationwide through late September after disputed presidential election /update 8
Disruptions, clashes, flight suspensions likely to continue across Venezuela through at least late September 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 late September, following the disputed July 28 presidential election. Venezuelan authorities extended the cancellation of all international flights connecting the country to Peru, Dominican Republic, and Panama until at least Sept. 30 because those countries' governments did not accept President Nicolas Maduro's reelection. It is likely most flights will remain suspended through October, as neither government officials nor affected airlines have announced any steps to solve the situation.
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, most are likely to be small, though some may be disruptive, as demonstrators are likely to block roads. 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.
Venezuela's National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral, 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. In the following days, CNE leaders proclaimed Maduro as president-elect for a new term, but have not shown any details or proofs of the results, despite being legally required to do so. 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, its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia obtained more than 67 percent of the vote.
On Sept. 2, Venezuelan authorities issued an arrest warrant against Gonzalez Urrutia, who has not been seen in public in recent weeks. Maria Corina Machado, one of the leaders of the opposition, has also been in hiding since early August, but has briefly appeared on several occasions to participate in rallies.
The Carter Center, one of the few independent electoral observers allowed in the Venezuela election, has issued statements claiming the presidential election did not meet international standards and cannot be considered democratic. Multiple governments, including most Latin American nations, the US, and the European Union, have also criticized the process, demanding the CNE to release details of the results, and have said they cannot recognize Maduro's victory.
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 Republic, 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 has insisted on his victory, and has claimed the violence of the streets has been perpetrated by the opposition, and requested Machado and Gonzalez Urrutia to be arrested.
