08 Nov 2024 | 07:55 PM UTC
Venezuela: Authorities to maintain suspension of flights to Chile, Panama, Peru, and Dominican Republic through at least early 2025 /update 10
Flight disruptions to continue in Venezuela through at least early 2025 following presidential election. Protests possible.
The government of Venezuela plans to continue its current suspension of flights to Chile, Panama, Peru, and the Dominican Republican indefinitely; the measure went into effect in response to criticism from the four nations in question following the country's disputed July 28 presidential election. Flights to and from Peru will remain canceled until at least March 30; authorities in Caracas have provided no indication of when the suspensions impacting the other three countries may be lifted. Similar flight bans targeting other countries cannot be ruled out.
While few protests have occurred since August, demonstrations remain possible, with opposition leaders continuing to dispute the outcome of the polls. Hundreds of opposition activists remain incarcerated nationwide. More than 20 demonstrators were killed and hundreds injured since July 29. Future protest activity is especially likely in major cities, including Caracas, Maracaibo, Valencia, Barquisimeto, and San Cristobal.
Security forces could resort to the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and, in some instances, lethal force during any further demonstrations that may materialize. Acts of violence and vandalism by activists are possible, especially against government properties. Disruptions to ground transport and business operations are possible.
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 Chile, Panama, Peru, and the Dominican Republic; consider making alternative transportation plans. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution. Reconfirm the status of transport services and road routes before travel. If violence erupts nearby, 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, to start on January 2025, but have not shown any details or proof of the results. 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.
Gonzalez Urrutia left for exile in Spain on Sept. 8, days after Venezuelan authorities issued an arrest warrant against him. He had been in hiding at the Embassy of the Netherlands since the days after the election and then at the Embassy of Spain. Maria Corina Machado, one of the leaders of the opposition, has also been in hiding since early August, only briefly appearing on a few 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.
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.
