Mujica and Lula question the elections in Venezuela amid protests and discontent.

The political situation in Venezuela continues to generate intense debates in the region, especially following the recent presidential elections that have been widely questioned. In this context, former Uruguayan President José Mujica has expressed his opinion on the current political landscape in Venezuela, highlighting the lack of reliable information surrounding the elections. In an interview with the local weekly Búsqueda, Mujica pointed out that there is no credible data from either Nicolás Maduro's government or the opposition, complicating the interpretation of the results and the situation as a whole. Mujica, who has remained an influential figure in Latin American politics, expressed his concern over the polarization and misinformation surrounding the situation in Venezuela. His stance parallels that of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has also voiced doubts about the credibility of the elections. This consensus among leftist leaders underscores the need for an objective and dispassionate assessment of the situation, beyond ideological positions. On the other hand, the reaction from the opposition in Venezuela has been forceful. Protests have erupted in various popular neighborhoods, where citizens are demonstrating against what they consider electoral fraud. The outrage has become palpable with reports of at least 11 dead and 177 detained during the demonstrations, highlighting the social tension in the country. Traditionally considered bastions of Chavismo, the popular neighborhoods are now leading the protests, a clear sign of the growing discontent among the population. The Tupamaros National Liberation Movement, of which Mujica was a part, issued a statement after the elections, recognizing what they considered an "exemplary electoral act." However, Mujica distanced himself from this declaration, emphasizing that his personal opinion should not be confused with that of his party. This fact highlights the diversity of opinions even within leftist forces, where positions can be nuanced and not always align with official statements. Additionally, the Broad Front, the leftist coalition to which Mujica belongs, also spoke out. They celebrated the peaceful conduct of the elections but stressed the importance of transparency in the electoral process. They demand that the National Electoral Council of Venezuela publish the data broken down by polling station to ensure the legitimacy of the results. This demand for transparency is crucial, especially in a context where accusations of fraud are constant and distrust in institutions has grown. The National Electoral Council proclaimed Maduro president after announcing that he received 51.2% of the votes. However, this figure was released with less than 80% of the ballots counted, leaving a wide margin of uncertainty regarding the veracity of the results. This scenario has led the international community to question the legitimacy of the elections and fear a worsening of the humanitarian and political crisis in the country. The situation in Venezuela is complex and multifaceted, and there does not seem to be a solution in sight. The lack of consensus among the various political forces, along with the growing popular discontent, portends difficult times for the South American nation. Meanwhile, the international community remains attentive to every move, hoping that the elections could be a step toward democratic recovery or, conversely, a trigger for further conflict and violence. The protests in the popular neighborhoods reflect the accumulated frustration from years of economic, social, and political crisis. Citizens have decided to raise their voices, and their determination could be a turning point in Venezuela's recent history. The streets have spoken, and the echo of their discontent is felt not only in the country but throughout the entire region, where other governments are carefully watching developments and considering their own positions regarding this conflict. In summary, the situation in Venezuela demands a deep and well-founded analysis. With polarization and a lack of reliable information, the path toward a peaceful and democratic solution is fraught with obstacles. The international community, along with regional leaders like José Mujica, will need to work toward an approach that prioritizes transparency and social peace, without overlooking the voices of those who suffer the consequences of this prolonged conflict.