Political crisis in Venezuela intensifies following disputed elections and repression of NGOs.

The political climate in Venezuela is intensifying following the recent presidential elections on July 28, where Edmundo González Urrutia, leader of the opposition coalition Unidad Democrática (PUD), has expressed his firm conviction that the will of the people must be recognized and respected. In a message shared on his Instagram account, Urrutia stated that the Venezuelan people's desire to "change peacefully" is a "sacred" aspiration that cannot be ignored in the current context of crisis and polarization facing the country. The July 28 elections, which resulted in Nicolás Maduro's reelection for a third term, have been criticized both nationally and internationally. A panel of experts from the United Nations has questioned the transparency and integrity of the electoral process. Their report, which EFE has accessed, asserts that the electoral authorities did not comply with the "basic measures" necessary to ensure the credibility of the event, raising serious doubts about the legitimacy of the results. One of the most concerning findings in the report is that the statements from the National Electoral Council (CNE), which proclaimed Maduro's victory, were made without the publication of details or tabulated results, an unprecedented anomaly in democratic contexts. This lack of transparency has led many to question whether the electoral process truly met the international standards necessary to be considered democratic. The Carter Center, known for its work in election observation, has also joined in the criticism, arguing that the conditions under which the elections took place did not allow them to be considered free and fair. According to their statement, the electoral process was affected by multiple irregularities that undermine trust in the country's democratic system. Amid this tense landscape, Maduro's administration has begun to focus on non-governmental organizations (NGOs), introducing a new law aimed at overseeing their operations. This move has been interpreted as an attempt to silence critical voices and limit the ability of NGOs to operate freely in the country. Critics argue that this law, which aims to exert greater control over the funding and activities of these organizations, represents a direct attack on civil society and human rights. The response from the opposition and the international community to these developments is vital. González Urrutia has urged the international community to remain vigilant against these attempts at destabilization and to support the Venezuelan people's demand for peaceful and meaningful change. External pressure, combined with internal mobilization, could be key to confronting the growing repression in the country. Against the backdrop of a disillusioned populace and a crisis-stricken economy, the political situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate. The lack of transparency in electoral processes, along with the harassment of NGOs, fosters an atmosphere of distrust that could further complicate the prospects for dialogue and reconciliation among the various political forces. In this context, it is essential for Venezuelans to continue raising their voices in defense of their rights and a democratic future. The struggle for peaceful change is not only a desire expressed at the polls but an urgent necessity in which the fate of millions of citizens is at stake every day. Thus, the path toward a more democratic and just Venezuela appears to be fraught with obstacles, but the determination of the people and international pressure can make a difference. The international community must act decisively and support those seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis, respecting the will of a people yearning for true change.