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Nicolás Maduro and his allies are at a critical juncture with two potential paths: either continue to use violence to maintain power or negotiate a way out.
Circumstances are likely to get worse before they get better. But descent into a full-fledged dictatorship is not inevitable. It is in the United States’ interest to work with partners in Latin America and the united Venezuelan opposition to ensure a transition of power in the coming months.
Since the July 28 election, the Maduro regime has turned to its tried-and-true strategy of repression and deceit. Ignoring international demands for transparency, Maduro has failed to back his allegation of a “terrorist attack” on the electoral system. The official results declaring Maduro as president remain unverified.
Instead, Maduro has involved the Supreme Court — a body notorious for its lack of independence, which does not even have the legal authority to review the voting tallies. The court’s validation of the dubious results from the also-discredited National Electoral Council is a stark example of using undemocratic institutions to legitimize electoral fraud and extend Maduro’s grip on power.
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