The Pichy Boys have sent a message of solidarity to the Venezuelan people on the eve of the presidential elections this Sunday, which could potentially end the reign of dictator Nicolás Maduro. In a heartfelt post on their Instagram account, the Cuban comedy duo expressed their admiration for the Venezuelan populace and urged them to vote on this "historic" day when "freedom is near."
"Beautiful Venezuela, gorgeous Venezuela. We want you to know that all freedom-loving Cubans stand with you! This weekend will be historic; freedom is near, fight until the end," they expressed.
"We are so proud of you! Hopefully, you will set an example for my people, and we can all rise together against tyrants. To all our Venezuelan brothers and sisters, we love you and keep you in our prayers. Long live a free Venezuela!" their message concluded.
In March, the Venezuelan government announced that presidential elections would be held on July 28, the eleventh anniversary of the death of Hugo Chávez in 2013, whom Nicolás Maduro succeeded with the help of Cuban secret services. Amid widespread public interest in participating in the process and exercising their rights, and in the face of global anticipation, reports of arbitrary detentions of opposition members, leaders, and campaign workers have surfaced in recent days.
These incidents are compounded by Maduro's threats, who stated that if he loses, there would be "a bloodbath" in his country, a threat that even alarmed his ally, the president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The dictator is seeking a third term despite widespread criticism of his 2018 re-election, deemed fraudulent by the opposition and not recognized by the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the Organization of American States (OAS), which branded it a "farce."
On Friday, the Chavista regime denied entry to a delegation from Spain's Popular Party who had traveled to Caracas at the invitation of opposition candidates Edmundo González and María Corina Machado. The Spanish politicians were detained at Caracas airport and instructed to return on a flight back to Madrid.
Understanding Venezuela's Political Climate
In light of the upcoming elections and the tense political atmosphere in Venezuela, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to provide further insight into the situation.
Why are the upcoming Venezuelan elections significant?
The elections could mark the end of Nicolás Maduro's dictatorship, offering a chance for democratic change in Venezuela.
What has been the international response to Maduro's re-election in 2018?
Maduro's re-election was widely criticized and deemed fraudulent by the opposition, the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the Organization of American States (OAS).
What threats has Maduro made regarding the upcoming elections?
Maduro has threatened that there will be "a bloodbath" if he loses the elections, causing widespread concern.