Critical Vote Today For Democracy In Venezuela

Venezuelans go to the polls today to vote for President and other officials in an election that will be closely watched by the U.S. (and Russia). The autocratic ruler Nicolás Maduro -- a far-left version of the Malignant Loser -- is behind in the polls to opposition leader Edmundo González, who is standing in for Venezuela's "Iron Lady" Maria Corina González, who has been disqualified by Maduro's puppet supreme court. From the WaPo:

"Maduro has barred the opposition’s chosen candidate, arrested campaign workers and blocked access to state media. Still, the opposition says it can win — by a landslide.

But in a country where the electoral council, courts and military are controlled by Maduro, the outcome remains far from certain. He and his team remain confident they can win, according to people familiar with conversations within the government. If he loses at the polls, he’s not expected to cede power willingly."  (our emphasis)

He's taking a page from the Malignant Loser's election denial playbook which he played out on January 6, 2021. He's only having a relatively open election in the first place because of pressure brought to bear by the Biden Administration, which eased some sanctions in return. If Maduro is forced from office, and refrains from leading an unpopular insurrection, it will mean a new day for millions of Venezuelans, including hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who have sought refuge in the U.S.:

"A Maduro defeat would be a significant foreign policy win for the Biden administration. U.S. officials negotiated a deal last year in which Maduro pledged to hold a competitive election in exchange for some sanctions relief. With irregular immigration at the center of the U.S. presidential campaign, success in Venezuela could boost Vice President Harris’s bid against former president Donald Trump."  (our emphasis)

It would also be a setback for Russian war criminal and thug Vladimir Putin, who has supported Maduro and other anti-American dictators in Latin America.

The outcome of the vote is uncertain, with Maduro holding the power of government over the process. But if the vote against him is overwhelming and undeniable, he may have no choice to step down, especially if the military leaves him.

(photo: Cool Chairman Mao jacket, Nic. Getty Images)