Tensions are rising in Venezuela following Maduro's controversial reelection.

The political situation in Venezuela has become increasingly tense following the recent reelection of Nicolás Maduro, which has been deemed fraudulent by the opposition. Amid this climate of uncertainty, María Corina Machado, one of the most prominent opposition leaders, has called for protests from her "clandestinity," arguing that it is essential for citizens to remain steadfast and mobilized. In a video posted on social media, Machado urged Venezuelans to demonstrate their desire to live in freedom. Machado, who fears for her life and freedom, denounced what she considers a "theft" in the recent elections in an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal, where her candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, allegedly won. According to her, she has evidence to support her claims and has created a website where she publishes copies of voting records that she says demonstrate the opposition's victory. However, the Chavismo has dismissed these documents, accusing them of being a "setup." Tensions in Venezuela have intensified since Maduro was proclaimed reelected, sparking protests in Caracas and other cities. These demonstrations have resulted in the deaths of at least 11 civilians, according to human rights organizations, and more than 1,000 arrests reported by the Public Prosecutor's Office. In this context, Maduro has blamed Machado and González Urrutia for the acts of violence, suggesting that they should face justice. The National Electoral Council (CNE) proclaimed Maduro with 51% of the votes compared to González Urrutia's 44%, but has not yet provided detailed results, leading to increased international pressure for a more transparent count. The emergence of a call to "certify" the results by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice has added even more confusion to the already chaotic political situation. Calls for protest have resonated in a climate of fear. Although life in Caracas is beginning to return to some normalcy, many citizens choose not to speak openly about the election results, fearing reprisals. As a resident of Petare pointed out, daily life has stabilized, but fear remains latent, especially among those opposing the regime. The political tensions have also reverberated internationally. Maduro's reelection and the allegations of fraud have raised global alarms, evoking fears of a new wave of migration that could exacerbate the already concerning diaspora of 7.5 million Venezuelans who have fled since 2014. In this context, countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, which maintain closer relations with Chavismo, are pushing for a "coexistence agreement" in an attempt to mitigate the crisis. However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has countered this approach, asserting that there is "overwhelming evidence" of González Urrutia's victory, who is recognized by Washington as the legitimate winner of the elections. This statement underscores the international polarization surrounding the situation in Venezuela. Meanwhile, the future of the opposition and democracy in Venezuela appears uncertain. The climate of repression and fear in which leaders like Machado operate, who are in hiding, poses serious challenges for any mobilization attempts. The planned mobilizations for the coming days represent a key opportunity for the opposition to demonstrate its strength, although the repressive atmosphere could dissuade participation. Machado's call to remain organized and mobilized is undoubtedly a reflection of the struggle that many Venezuelans are willing to sustain in search of change. The determination of civil society to resist in the face of adversity will be crucial at this decisive moment, not only for Venezuela but also for the future of democracy in the region. The world is watching closely to see what happens in the coming days as the opposition seeks to challenge a regime that many consider illegitimate.