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The Venezuelan opposition party Primero Justicia (PJ) warned on Monday that Nicolás Maduro, along with his allies from Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, and Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, form an anti-democratic axis that, together with Russia, Iran, and China, threatens peace in the West.
Through a statement released on the social network X, the opposition party, one of the most significant in the country, warned about what it considers an "authoritarian escalation" in the region following the inauguration of Maduro, whom they deem an illegitimate president.
PJ's message underscores that this alliance represents a real threat to global democracy and a "danger" for the continent.
Following the demonstrations organized on January 9, the party sees the beginning of a "new phase" in the "democratic struggle," which will require the opposition to show "political resilience, strategic creativity, and personal integrity" in the face of the "autocratic degradation" fostered by chavismo, the text warns.
The organization affirmed that its members will remain "steadfast and loyal" in their fight for respect of the results of the elections held on July 28, which they claim declared their leader, Edmundo González, as the winner.
During Maduro's inauguration, he stated that the regimes of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are ready "to take up arms" against "imperialism," and reiterated that the opposition's claims were encouraged by an "external enemy."
However, PJ presented as evidence of González's victory the 85% of the ballots that he claims to have collected through polling station witnesses and individuals who participated in the voting process.
Although the Chavista authorities have labeled these documents as "false," they did not present any others that would confirm Maduro's victory.
Gonzalez, currently exiled in Spain, reiterated in a speech on social media on January 10 that he will take on what he considers a "popular mandate" at the right moment.
"We have reached a historic crossroads. On one side is a vile and ruthless dictatorship. On the other side, the good Venezuelans, who have shown heroic commitment to our democracy," he stated.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Political Crisis in Venezuela and the Anti-Democratic Axis in Latin America
What is the "anti-democratic axis" mentioned by the Venezuelan opposition?
The Venezuelan opposition, specifically the Primero Justicia party, refers to an "anti-democratic axis" made up of the regimes of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, Miguel Díaz-Canel in Cuba, and Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua. This axis, along with countries like Russia, Iran, and China, is seen as a threat to democracy and peace in the West. They believe that these governments promote an authoritarian escalation that endangers global democratic stability.
Why is Nicolás Maduro's presidency considered illegitimate?
The Venezuelan opposition, along with several countries and international organizations, has deemed Nicolás Maduro's presidency illegitimate due to numerous allegations of fraud and irregularities in the elections held on July 28, 2024. It is claimed that Maduro manipulated the results to remain in power, despite the opposition asserting that Edmundo González won the elections.
How has the international community reacted to the electoral crisis in Venezuela?
The international community has shown divided reactions. Countries like the United States, the European Union, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, and Costa Rica have recognized Edmundo González as the legitimate elected president of Venezuela, urging a review of the electoral process. Meanwhile, Maduro's allies such as Cuba, Russia, and China have validated the official results. These events have intensified political tension in Venezuela and have led to massive protests.
What actions has the Venezuelan opposition taken in response to the elections on July 28, 2024?
The Venezuelan opposition has organized protests and demonstrations under the slogan "Acta kills Sentence" to reject the validation of the electoral process that resulted in Nicolás Maduro's victory. They have published more than 80% of the electoral records, which, according to them, demonstrate Edmundo González's victory by a wide margin. Furthermore, they have requested the intervention of international observers to ensure the transparency of the electoral process.
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