In the city of Sabaneta, Venezuela, Tanyia Colmenares, a former law school student, is now working to defend democracy in her country by organizing, mobilizing, and supporting voters during the upcoming presidential election on July 28. The main opposition coalition is relying on the efforts of volunteers like Colmenares to ensure people can cast their ballots freely and without intimidation. The lack of an independent electoral authority makes their work critical in verifying and contesting the election results. The opposition hopes that having large numbers of watchful voters outside polling places will neutralize any ruling party strategies to suppress the vote.
Sabaneta, known as the birthplace of Chavismo, the socialist movement founded by late President Hugo Chávez, is witnessing a grassroots movement led by Colmenares and nine other neighbors to promote the vote and aid opposition supporters in reaching their polling places. These volunteers are offering rides, support at checkpoints, and distributing food and water to those waiting in long lines. The upcoming election marks a significant challenge for the ruling party, as President Nicolás Maduro’s government faces widespread unpopularity due to economic mismanagement, corruption, and a prolonged crisis that has affected millions of Venezuelans.
Despite previous boycotts of rigged elections, the opposition has united behind a single candidate, former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, in an effort to bring about change in Venezuela. With projected estimates of up to 13 million voters participating in the election, the opposition has organized neighborhood groups called “comanditos” to mobilize supporters and ensure a fair voting process. Members of these groups are prepared for potential obstacles such as gas station closures, power outages, and roadblocks by police and Maduro loyalists on election day.
The government-controlled National Electoral Council has set up around 36,000 voting machines, with many polling places thinly spread out, making it difficult for opposition monitoring. Reports of coercion and control of voting in previous elections have been associated with smaller polling places with one or two machines, where the ruling party typically receives a majority of its votes. Despite concerns about retribution and leaked data, opposition supporters are still coordinating with friends and family to overcome fear and ensure voter turnout. High school teacher Edgar Cuevas emphasizes the importance of accompanying people to the polls to help them overcome their fears.
As the July 28 election date approaches, the opposition coalition continues to prepare and mobilize its supporters to defend their right to vote and uphold democracy in Venezuela. With the efforts of volunteers like Tanyia Colmenares and neighborhood groups in Sabaneta, the opposition aims to monitor the election process, prevent intimidation, and ensure a fair and transparent voting process. The outcome of this election will have significant implications for the future of Venezuela, as the country grapples with a deepening crisis and political instability.
