Venezuela’s Disillusioned Ex-Socialists Now Support the Opposition

The upcoming presidential election in Venezuela has ignited a wave of voter enthusiasm unseen in over a decade, as opposition rallies draw large crowds, including former supporters of President Nicolas Maduro

Venezuela is on the cusp of a historic presidential election that has galvanized voter interest to unprecedented levels in at least ten years. Despite an atmosphere fraught with opposition figures’ arrests and accusations of conspiracies, rallies for the opposition have been met with enthusiastic crowds, including disillusioned former supporters of President Nicolas Maduro’s ruling party. In seeking a third term, Maduro has confidently predicted victory over what he labels the “extreme right.”

In contrast, the opposition, which boycotted the 2018 election, alleging unfair practices, claims that recent decisions by electoral authorities are designed to confuse voters and dampen opposition support. Nonetheless, challenger Edmundo Gonzalez’s campaign marks the first time since Hugo Chavez’s rise to power in 1999 that a political movement outside the Socialist Party has garnered substantial momentum and a potential advantage.

A New Wave of Support for Gonzalez

Much of the enthusiasm for Gonzalez, a 74-year-old former diplomat, stems from former “Chavistas” who once fervently supported the party of Maduro and his mentor Chavez. As Reuters reported from opposition rallies and various cities across Venezuela, years of economic crisis and the exodus of over 7.7 million people, have taken a significant toll on the populace.

“I liked Chavismo, what they proposed, that wealth should be shared, that opportunities to get ahead should be given to many, that the most vulnerable would have a chance,” Edgar Gonzalez, 39, at an opposition rally in Valencia, the capital of central Carabobo state told Reuters. “But then came this madness,” added Gonzalez, who lost his accounting job in 2021 when his company closed and now makes a living doing deliveries on his motorcycle. “I don’t regret my past, but I’ve understood that’s not the way.”

According to Oswaldo Ramirez, director of Caracas consultancy ORC Consultores, support for opposition leader Maria Corina Machado also remains strong. Machado won a primary last year but is banned from holding public office and has been fervently campaigning for Gonzalez. “There is also a Chavista discontent that believes the country needs to begin a new path and that the revolution has rusted,” Ramirez told Reuters.

Economic Realities and Political Shifts

Maduro has attempted to stabilize the economy by loosening currency controls and curbing inflation, but the economic situation remains dire due to declining oil income and enduring sanctions. Despite his efforts, Maduro has warned of a “bloodbath” if the opposition wins and has promised a new period of growth that will reduce the economy’s dependence on oil income.

“We’ve spent 25 years supporting Chavistas with the hope that at some point they were going to straighten out the country’s path, but every day is worse,” teacher Marina Perez told Reuters at the joint Gonzalez-Machado rally in Valencia. Her salary had stayed the same for two years. “Now there are two leaders who give us new inspiration,” Perez said. “That’s what we want: a change.”

Across the country, Gonzalez and Machado have been met with cheering crowds. Attendees often give them rosaries or other tokens, reflecting people’s deep emotional and spiritual connection toward these leaders. In some instances, they have been accompanied by caravans of motorcycles, indicating a significant shift in Venezuela’s political landscape.

Motorcycles and Political Transformation

Motorcycle clubs, long seen as strongholds of ruling party support and accused of violence against anti-government protesters in past marches, have recently shown up at opposition rallies. Some members have even transported Machado when road closures by security forces blocked her car.

According to opposition-published videos, Gonzalez also recently rode a motorcycle in the western city of Barinas. Motorcycle clubs have historically been fiercely loyal to the ruling party, but the tide appears to be turning. “There were government supporters in our group who have been disappointed because they are personally living the crisis,” said Hermes Alvarez, 42, a motorcycle club member in western Barquisimeto.

“Socialism has led us to live in decline,” biker Cesar Mendoza, 46, told Reuters at a Machado rally in Carabobo in early July. Even among the staunchest supporters of the ruling party, the ongoing economic hardships have fostered a sense of disillusionment and a desire for change.

Maduro’s attempts to win back support include offering credit for motorcycle purchases, which is crucial for many Venezuelans with limited access to credit and exist on a minimum wage of $3.50 a month. However, these efforts may be too little or too late to retain the loyalty of even the most ardent Chavistas.

Latin American Context and Broader Implications

The political shift in Venezuela is not happening in isolation. Latin America has a rich history of political transformations and economic challenges that resonate across the region. Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile have experienced cycles of populism, financial crises, and political upheaval. The changes in Venezuela are being closely watched as a potential indicator of broader regional trends.

Venezuela’s political and economic crisis has also had significant ramifications for neighboring countries, with millions of Venezuelans seeking refuge across Latin America. This mass migration has placed additional strain on host countries’ social and economic systems, prompting a regional response to address the humanitarian needs of displaced populations.

As Venezuela heads into this crucial election, the outcomes will not only shape the nation’s future but also influence the political dynamics of Latin America. The region has a long history of leftist and populist movements, and the shift in Venezuela could signal a reconfiguration of political alliances and ideologies.

Also read: Edmundo González: Venezuela’s Unexpected Hope for Change

Venezuela’s upcoming presidential election is pivotal in the nation’s history. The unprecedented voter enthusiasm, the shift in political support, and the broader Latin American context underscore the significance of this election. As the world watches, the people of Venezuela are poised to make a choice that will shape their future and potentially redefine the political landscape of Latin America.