Venezuela's President Maduro holding onto his authority

Venezuela's President Maduro holding onto his authority - will he manage to persist?

In the heart of South America, Venezuela finds itself in a political and economic crisis, with its President, Nicolás Maduro, claiming victory in a disputed election.

Maduro's regime is shunned internationally, facing sanctions from the US, EU, and UK. The international community questions the legitimacy of his presidency, as countries like Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Russia, Turkey, and China are the only nations that have publicly congratulated him. These countries maintain close political or economic ties with Maduro's government.

The election, which took place under controversial circumstances, has sparked protests and opposition rallies across the country. Maduro's regime banned one of the most appealing opposition leaders from running, but Venezuelans still flocked to these demonstrations.

The aftermath of the election has brought talks of electricity cuts and food shortages, with shops and businesses closing their doors. Fears of what might happen next linger, as Maduro remains holed up in his presidential palace, guarded by hundreds of military personnel and police.

Maduro's mismanagement over the last decade has led to the impoverishment of a country once considered the richest in South America. As a result, about a quarter of the population has emigrated, seeking better opportunities elsewhere.

Despite Maduro's claims of winning the election with 51% of the vote, according to official results, the opposition claims that the vote count has been falsified, and they actually won by a landslide. The international community faces a quandary of how to reimpose or stiffen sanctions while enabling the flow of humanitarian aid.

The Biden administration's bet on Maduro holding a competitive election in return for sanctions relief has failed. The failure of Maduro and the country's electoral authority to provide any evidence for his win has left him "with nowhere to hide". Legal cases are pending against Maduro and his inner circle.

Even normally sympathetic allies, such as Brazil, are demanding proof of Maduro's win. The claim that Maduro won the election "beggars belief" due to his unpopularity and incompetence, as stated by The Economist.

Maduro's sanctions-busting support from other authoritarian states, including Russia, Cuba, and Iran, is helping to keep his regime afloat. However, it is clear that Maduro's "election victory" will not solve his regime's problems, as the country continues to struggle with economic instability and political unrest.