Maduro: I must be re-elected to avert ‘bloodbath’ in Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Maduro Warns of Potential ‘Bloodbath’ Ahead of Reelection

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has urged his supporters to secure his reelection this month, warning that failure to do so could lead to a “bloodbath” in the country. Speaking at a campaign event in Caracas, he stated, “If they do not want Venezuela to fall into a fratricidal civil war, the ruling party must win the presidential elections on July 28.” Maduro emphasized that only his victory could guarantee “peace” in Venezuela, expressing confidence in achieving “irreversible results” in his favor.

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013 after succeeding Hugo Chavez, faces accusations of vote-rigging and suppressing opposition voices. His 2018 reelection was widely condemned by 14 Latin American nations, the United States, and the Organization of American States, which labeled it a “farce.” The election was largely boycotted by opposition parties.

There were initial hopes for a more transparent electoral process in 2024, following a historic agreement in which Maduro promised the U.S. free and fair elections in exchange for sanctions relief. However, recent developments have raised concerns, as opposition leaders, including Maria Corina Machado, have been barred from running, and reports of “arbitrary detentions” have emerged since the campaign began on July 4.

Human rights organization Laboratorio de Paz reported 71 arbitrary detentions within the first ten days of the campaign, primarily targeting individuals linked to opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia. Machado’s security chief, Milciades Ávila, was reportedly detained by the Maduro regime and accused of gender violence, prompting further allegations of repression against dissent.

In response to the situation, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Panama issued a joint statement urging Venezuelan authorities to ensure elections are “free, fair, and transparent.” CNN has sought comment from the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry regarding this appeal.

As Maduro campaigns for reelection, he faces nine other candidates, many of whom are perceived as government allies and lack substantial public support.