Originally Published on OMIWORLD.ORG

Click here to see the Article en Español

By Javier ÁLVAREZ, OMI

It has been fifteen days since the presidential election in Venezuela, and the country remains mired in uncertainty. Citizens, longing for a fresh start, voted with determination and hope.

The Venezuelan People Rise in Defense of Their Vote

We are witnessing a nation, steadfast in its democratic vocation, striving to solve its problems through the power of the vote. In overwhelming numbers, Venezuelans chose a path different from the one currently leading the country. Yet, the government has refused to acknowledge these results, manipulating both the electoral and judicial systems to impose a result that serves its interests.

United by the Desire for Change

Many of us were skeptical, thinking this election would never happen, given how clear it was that the government was poised to lose. But the process moved forward, and election day arrived with a populace eager and determined to change its destiny at the ballot box. That day turned into a celebration: a joyful crowd, united by a shared desire for change, came together with the hope that, after so much suffering, families could once again be reunited.

Preliminary results from various polling stations pointed to a landslide victory for the opposition, with around 70% of the vote. These results were documented in the reports generated by the voting machines and were shared online for the world to see. However, the government released its own results, without providing supporting documents, leveraging its control over a National Electoral Council that is far from independent.

The Government Manipulates the Electoral Process

In the face of this blatant and obvious electoral fraud, the people took to the streets in protest, only to be met with violent repression from the government, which has already claimed 24 lives and led to nearly 2,000 arrests. With each passing day, the risks of persecution, arrest, or deportation increase. Several members of our communities are in hiding, having participated in the democratic process as polling station members or vote collectors.

The Oblate Response to the Crisis

As Oblates, we remain calm, providing spiritual support to our communities, and consoling a suffering people whose dignity is being stripped away. Some of us have joined the community in marches; we offer moments of prayer, and our Eucharistic celebrations continue with a large turnout, even daily, as the faithful seek courage and strength. Our parishioners are grateful for the gestures and homilies that help them keep moving forward, even as the horizon threatens to storm.

We believe that this government, utterly delegitimized and weakened, cannot sustain itself much longer. However, the interests of foreign powers (Cuba, Russia, China…) and the lack of strong action from democratic nations could allow this regime to endure, transforming it into a full-blown tyrannical dictatorship.

Disillusionment is spreading among Venezuelans, and if the situation does not change, we may witness an even larger exodus of families fleeing the regime. We pray with them, asking the Lord to ensure that the will of the people is respected, so that peace and the common good may prevail.