Disappointment in the Venezuelan community in Lima after electoral fraud in their country.

The Venezuelan community in Lima, which previously thrived with hope for change in their country, now finds itself engulfed in disillusionment and uncertainty following the recent electoral process in Venezuela. Just a week ago, the din of a caravan of cars celebrated what many considered a definitive victory over Nicolás Maduro's regime. However, the apparent celebration has turned into a collective lament as irregularities and accusations of electoral fraud have come to light. Venezuelan political scientist Maira Maibort Petit, an expert in transnational organized crime, points out that the crisis in Venezuela affects not only its population but has repercussions throughout the region. "The current civil-military regime controls the institutions and has woven itself into criminal networks linked to powers like Russia and China," she explains. According to her estimates, around 7.2 million Venezuelans have left their country, and the recent political crisis could force more to take the same path. Venezuelans residing in Peru, many of whom arrived between 2017 and 2018, feel deep sadness and concern for their relatives still living in Venezuela. Many of them, who fled extreme poverty and violence, now fear that the situation will worsen, potentially leading to a new mass exodus. In Lima, these immigrants have become an integral part of the social fabric, with around 1.3 million Venezuelans in the country, of which nearly 600,000 are of voting age. However, the regime has imposed barriers that have drastically limited their participation in the electoral process. Venezuelan chef Juan Luis Martínez, who has found success in Peru with his restaurant Mérito, is one of many who have decided to make this country their home. "I came to Lima seeking a better life and decided to stay here because the situation in Venezuela has become unsustainable," he comments. For him, the results of the July 28 elections reflect a corrupt system that has trampled on the hopes for change of its people. Another relevant testimony comes from Vanessa Rolfini, a journalist specializing in gastronomy. She arrived in Peru with a job contract in hand but acknowledges that migration is a process that, regardless of the conditions, leaves an emotional mark. "The trap was obvious," Rolfini states, who has no plans to return to live in Venezuela, although she wishes to visit her family in the future. Luis Fernando Nunes, an academic and activist who left Venezuela in 1998, also shares his perspective on the situation. Nunes has faced multiple difficulties in returning to his country, even to attend his mother’s wake. "The elections were a mix of emotions for me, but I am convinced that the fight for democracy in Venezuela still continues," he asserts. His optimism is based on the belief that Maduro's departure will come, albeit at a high cost. The echoes of disillusionment and hope intertwine in the Venezuelan community of Lima, where each personal story reflects the suffering and resilience of a people. These migrants have not only found a new home but have also become ambassadors of the Venezuelan reality abroad, carrying with them the burden of memories and hopes for a better future. As Venezuelans in Peru observe from afar what is happening in their country, many realize that the struggle for democracy and freedom is a process that requires time and perseverance. Although the sadness for the present is palpable, there is also a collective sense that resilience and unity may be key to facing the future. As the Venezuelan community gathers in protest outside the embassy, their voice resonates powerfully. These demonstrations are more than just a simple act of discontent; they are a cry for justice and a call for international solidarity. The story of Venezuela is also a story of struggle, and its compatriots abroad are determined to continue fighting, not only for change in their country but also to keep alive the hope for a better future for all.