Venezuelans protest in America for freedom and electoral truth in their country.

Thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets this Saturday in various cities across America, voicing their protests for freedom and the defense of electoral truth. The demonstrations, which stretched from Canada to Argentina, were organized by the Democratic Unity Platform (PUD), the largest opposition alliance in the country, led by María Corina Machado. Participants demanded that the governments of Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico take a clear stance and pressure the National Electoral Council of Venezuela to publish the disaggregated results of the presidential elections held on July 28, where, according to the opposition, Edmundo González Urrutia was the true winner. The marches occur in a context of increasing political tension in Venezuela, where the opposition has denounced an "electoral fraud" in the recent elections. Most Venezuelans abroad were unable to participate in the elections due to bureaucratic obstacles imposed by Nicolás Maduro's government, a recurring source of frustration among the Venezuelan diaspora. In this climate, the cry of "enough already!" resonated strongly, demanding the recognition of González Urrutia's victory. In Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, protesters, along with supportive local citizens, criticized their governments' positions, which have maintained ambiguous stances regarding the Venezuelan crisis. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whose party was one of the first to recognize Maduro's victory, has recently hardened his rhetoric, proposing ideas such as forming a coalition government or holding new elections. However, these options have been rejected by both chavismo and the opposition. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has also proposed the creation of a "national front" as a transitional step toward a definitive solution to the crisis. However, these initiatives have failed to bring the opposing sides closer together, as each side fervently defends its version of the electoral results. For many Venezuelans who have seen their hopes fade, these proposals are nothing more than an illusion. In the context of this crisis, Lorena Lara, a Venezuelan residing in Brazil, expressed that the idea of a coalition government makes no sense, given that the elections were held under rules imposed by Maduro's regime. “You cannot reach an agreement when the governing party has not proven the results,” she stated, reflecting the sentiment of many protesters demanding transparency and justice. Meanwhile, the stance of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been criticized by many, who accuse him of adopting a passive attitude by "waiting" for what the electoral court resolves. Juan Carlos Vielma, a Venezuelan dentist and university professor, labeled the president's position as a “Pontius Pilate attitude,” suggesting that his lack of opinion might be a strategy to avoid future commitments. The marches were filled with symbolism, with Venezuelan flags waving and participants displaying printed ballots as proof of their assertion that González Urrutia won the elections. The hope for a free and democratic Venezuela remains alive among the crowd, who long for the moment to return to their homeland. Ana Ángela Jugo, a Venezuelan who fled her country in 2019 after a series of blackouts, also joined the protests in Colombia. Her story resonates with that of millions who, motivated by the economic crisis and political repression, have left their homes in search of a better future. “We want to go back, but not under these conditions,” she expressed, reflecting the shared desire of many to see change in their country. The day was marked not only by protests abroad but also by significant events in Venezuela. In Caracas, María Corina Machado reappeared before thousands of supporters after days in hiding, reaffirming her commitment to the fight for democracy. At the same time, twenty-two countries and several nations from the European Union demanded the immediate publication of all original election records, seeking to shed light on the electoral process in a country that has been shrouded in darkness for too long. The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) also echoed these demands, approving a resolution calling for Venezuelan authorities to expedite the publication of electoral records. As the international community watches, pressure on Maduro's regime intensifies. Venezuelans abroad, alongside their compatriots in the Caribbean nation, continue to raise their voices, joining forces in the pursuit of a future where truth and justice prevail over oppression.