Biden lifts sanctions on Venezuela, disputed election follows.

Venezuela's disputed election results have sparked controversy, with the government-controlled National Electoral Council declaring Nicolás Maduro's victory, while his challenger, Edmundo González Urrutia, and the U.S. government claim otherwise. The opposition claims to have 80% of the vote tallies, indicating a win for González Urrutia.

US Rejects Maduro's Claimed Victory

"In the days since the election, we have consulted widely with partners and allies around the world, and while countries have taken different approaches in responding, none have concluded that Nicolás Maduro received the most votes in this election," said U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.

Florida Senators Criticize Biden Administration

"Maduro has stolen another election from the Venezuelan people & the Biden-Harris admin helped him do it by fueling his power with sanctions relief & appeasement," said Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL).

"Biden & Harris broadly eased Trump sanctions on the Maduro regime as part of a ‘deal’ for elections in #Venezuela...This ‘election’ was a complete fraud," said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL).

Trump Weighs In

"Kamala Harris should never have taken the Trump Oil Sanctions off Maduro...Their ‘deal’ for free and fair elections was a fake deal that resulted in nothing. Many were killed and forever hurt. Their blood is on her hands and on Biden for his incompetence," former President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Despite the Biden administration's partial reversal of Trump-era sanctions, experts refute claims that this helped Maduro stay in power. They cite complex factors, including the ineffectiveness of harsher sanctions under Trump and the role of negotiations in pressuring Venezuela to hold elections.

Sanctions and Negotiations: A Complex Dynamic

• The Biden administration eased sanctions after Venezuela agreed to hold elections and commit to open and fair elections in 2024 under the Barbados Agreement.
• However, the U.S. re-imposed some sanctions in April 2024 due to Venezuela's failure to fulfill commitments, such as banning opposition candidates.
• Experts argue that the negotiations and sanctions policy partially led to Venezuela holding elections with an opposition candidate, a rare occurrence.
• Without external incentives, the Maduro government might not have allowed a genuine competitor or held elections at all.
• The negotiations forced the Venezuelan government to reveal its lack of competitiveness, according to Javier Corrales, a political science professor at Amherst College.

A History of Tense Relations and Sanctions

• The U.S. has had fraught relations with Venezuela and imposed sanctions since 2006, intensified by the Trump administration.
• Under Trump's sanctions, Maduro had no incentive to hold free and fair elections, according to Alejandro Velasco, an associate professor at NYU.
• Sanctions and negotiations are common tools used by countries to pressure others, as seen in cases like Cuba, Iraq, and Nicaragua.

Protests and Unrest in Venezuela
Following the disputed election, Venezuelans have taken to the streets in protest. At least 11 people have died and over 700 have been detained, according to Foro Penal, a legal assistance nonprofit. Maria Corina Machado, an opposition leader, says she is in hiding, fearing for her life.

Looking Ahead
Blinken has called for talks between Venezuelan parties to facilitate a peaceful transition. The US supports "re-establishing democratic norms" and is ready to work with international partners to bolster this process. The future of Venezuela remains uncertain as the international community grapples with the disputed election results and their potential implications.