What are the Characteristics of Democratic Governments and Why Venezuela is Not a Democratic Government

1. Regular and Free Elections: Citizens have the right to choose their representatives and leaders through fair and transparent elections. This ensures that voters can make informed decisions without coercion. Universal and secret suffrage allows all adult citizens to vote without pressure.

Venezuela: Although elections have taken place, there have been controversies about their transparency and fairness. Venezuelans living abroad have been restricted from voting, with more than 4 million people facing obstacles in registering, while only a little over 60,000 were allowed to vote in the most recent elections. Various methods, such as the firing of public employees, the use of the government’s food distribution program “CLAPS,” and threats by groups known as "colectivos," are used to influence voters, especially among the most vulnerable populations.

1. Political Pluralism: In a democratic government, there are multiple political parties and options. This encourages competition and allows citizens to choose their representatives.

Venezuela: There have been restrictions on political opposition and censorship of independent media. Many key opposition leaders have faced persecution, leading to imprisonment or exile. Almost all major opposition parties have been targeted by the Supreme Court, where new authorities, more favorable to the government, have been appointed, creating the illusion of opposition.

1. Respect for Human Rights: Civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of all citizens are guaranteed.

Venezuela: There is systematic violation of human rights. The Venezuelan government has been accused of serious human rights abuses, including torture, arbitrary detentions, and extrajudicial executions. The right to freely choose and respect election results has also been violated.

1. Alternation of Power: Political parties can come to power peacefully through free and fair elections.

Venezuela: The ruling party has held power since 1999 and has even threatened violence if they were to lose an election. High-ranking officials, including the head of the electoral authority, have publicly stated that they will never relinquish power.

1. Rule of Law: All citizens, including leaders and public officials, are subject to the law, which is applied equally. No one is above the law, and individual rights are protected.

Venezuela: There are concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the selective application of the law. Since the 1999 constitution took effect, all judges, except those of the Supreme Court, have been provisional, leading to dismissals and imprisonments if their decisions displease the president, as in the case of Judge Afiuni. Supreme Court judges are appointed by the National Assembly and should meet certain academic, professional, and ethical criteria, but these have been ignored. Judges appointed by the 2015 National Assembly, mostly opposition members, were also persecuted and forced into exile.

1. Individual Rights and Freedoms: Rights such as freedom of expression, press, religion, association, and peaceful assembly are guaranteed and protected. These are essential for citizen participation and pluralism. Media outlets can report without censorship.

Venezuela: There have been restrictions on press freedom and protests. Since the beginning of the revolution, journalists and media owners have been persecuted and intimidated. In 2007, the independent and critical television channel RCTV was denied renewal of its license, following a public order by the president. Radio stations critical of the government were also targeted, while community stations supportive of the regime were funded. Currency controls were used to cut the supply of paper to opposition print media. Pro-government businessmen, taking advantage of these coercive measures, began buying certain newspapers, radio stations, and TV channels. "El Nacional," a once-supportive newspaper, became critical of the government and faced legal action from the judiciary, eventually falling into pro-government hands.

1. Separation of Powers: Government power is divided into branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent power concentration and ensure balance and accountability.

Venezuela: There have been controversies over the concentration of power in the executive branch. The judiciary is fully controlled, as is the prosecutor’s office, with its head being an active and prominent PSUV (ruling party) member. A prosecutor appointed by the 2015 National Assembly was also persecuted and exiled. The electoral authority is similarly controlled, with one position given to the opposition, who is usually silenced. As of writing, Electoral Rector Juan Carlos Del Pino is on the run from the oppressive machinery for attempting to speak out about the July 28, 2024 election.

1. Accountability and Transparency: Leaders must be accountable for their actions and decisions. Transparency and access to public information are essential to ensure responsibility.

Venezuela: There are concerns about the lack of transparency and corruption. Corruption cases have devastated the national economy and are visible to all. Notable examples include the abandoned railway construction, the unfinished Caracas Metro Line 5, the Guarenas railway line, bridges over the Orinoco and Lake Maracaibo, and the destruction of expropriated companies. The General Comptroller’s Office, also appointed by the National Assembly and filled with prominent PSUV members, has been used to politically disqualify opponents rather than investigate corruption unless it involves party members who have deviated from the party line.

1. Citizen Participation: Citizens can participate in decision-making through voting, public consultations, and expressing opinions.

Venezuela: Participation has been limited, and protests repressed. The voter registration system has been manipulated, and the popular will has been ignored by appointing government officials over legitimately elected ones, using the figure of state “protectors.” Council members, mayors, governors, business leaders, and union leaders who openly criticize the government or allow protests have been persecuted and removed. In 2015, the people elected a National Assembly with an opposition majority, but its functions were nullified by a Constituent Assembly formed under the pretext of drafting a new constitution. None of the decisions of that National Assembly were respected, and many of its members ended up in exile.

1. Peaceful Change of Power: In a democracy, government change occurs through peaceful means, such as elections, rather than violence or coups.

Venezuela: There have been disputes over the legitimacy of elections and continuity in power. This point is evident from the statements made by President Nicolás Maduro and his top leaders before the recent July 28 election and the decisions made afterward.

Conclusion: The evolution of Venezuela's political system since 1999 has shown a progressive departure from democratic principles. The concentration of power, human rights violations, lack of free and fair elections, and political persecution are some of the factors that have led to defining the Venezuelan regime as undemocratic. It is important to note that "21st-century socialism" has used the tools and characteristics of democratic governments to remain in power. With vast resources at its disposal, Venezuela has had enough money to silence internal and external voices, using oil as a means of coercion to neighboring countries and securing favorable votes in international organizations.

Econ. Daniel Ramirez sanchez