Mujica calls for reflection on the political and electoral crisis in Venezuela.

The recent political situation in Venezuela has sparked extensive debate and differing positions among leaders in Latin America, and one of the names that resonates most strongly is that of former Uruguayan president José Mujica. In an interview with the weekly publication Búsqueda, Mujica expressed caution regarding the results of the elections in Venezuela, stating that "there is no credible information about what happened in the elections anywhere, neither from one side nor the other." This statement reflects the uncertainty surrounding Nicolás Maduro's recent re-election, who has been in power since 2013 and has faced criticism both nationally and internationally. Mujica, known for his straightforward style and commitment to social justice, also aligned himself with the stance of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has advocated for a more nuanced approach to the political events in Venezuela. This type of positioning resonates with those seeking to avoid extreme polarization in the debate, even as the situation in the South American country becomes increasingly complicated. The former Uruguayan president distanced himself from a statement issued by the Tupamaros National Liberation Movement, which celebrated the elections as an "exemplary electoral act." By denying his connection to this declaration, Mujica seems to be attempting to maintain a neutral position in a context where many have rushed to make categorical judgments. This cautious approach can be seen as a call for reflection at a time when narratives about Venezuela are deeply polarized. The elections on Sunday have triggered a wave of protests in various parts of Venezuela, where segments of the population, particularly in popular neighborhoods, have led demonstrations against Maduro's government. The figures from recent days are alarming: at least 11 dead and 177 detained in the protests that have emerged in response to what many consider electoral fraud. This popular discontent highlights the disconnect between the government and broad sectors of Venezuelan society, particularly those who traditionally supported Chavismo. The Broad Front of Uruguay, to which Mujica belongs, has issued a statement also acknowledging that the electoral process took place "in peace," highlighting the civic behavior of the Venezuelan people. However, it has also demanded transparency in the results, requesting the publication of data broken down by polling station to validate the legitimacy of the elections. This demand underscores the need for greater clarity and credibility in an electoral process that has been marked by distrust. Meanwhile, Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE) has officially proclaimed Nicolás Maduro as president, with 51.2% of the votes, a result that has been questioned by the opposition and various international organizations. Although the CNE has asserted that the process was transparent, allegations of irregularities and electoral manipulation have led many to doubt the legitimacy of the results. The situation of protest and resistance in the popular neighborhoods reflects a deep discontent that goes beyond the elections. Many Venezuelans feel that the government has failed to address the fundamental issues affecting their lives, such as food shortages, uncontrolled inflation, and lack of basic services. This feeling of abandonment has been a catalyst for the protests, which seek not only to question the election results but also to express a broader demand for rights and dignity. Amid this crisis, the international community is watching closely, although responses have been varied and often contradictory. Some governments have supported Maduro, while others have condemned his regime. This division reflects the complexities of geopolitics in the region, where each position is influenced by historical and strategic interests that often blur the reality faced by Venezuelan citizens. The voice of leaders like José Mujica is crucial at this moment, not only because of his political experience but also due to his ability to articulate a message that promotes dialogue and the search for peaceful solutions. In a context where polarization and extremism seem to dominate, the call for reflection and the need for truthful information becomes even more relevant. The hope is that amidst what many consider a humanitarian and political crisis, a path toward reconciliation and genuine democracy in Venezuela can be found.