Venezuelan far-right opposition politicians Henrique Capriles (left) and María Corina Machado (right) at a political event, October 2023, Caracas. Photo: Federico Parra/AFP.
Opposition politician and former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles Radonski renewed his criticism of María Corina Machado, reiterating his stance that voting remains a critical tool for political change in Venezuela.
In a social media post, Capriles emphasized that Venezuelans must retain ownership of their votes, framing the act of voting as a deeply personal and individual choice.
“Some seek to weaponize this instrument [the vote], but demonizing it is yet another strategic error,” he wrote. Capriles argued that electoral participation is essential for those pursuing systemic change, adding, “We’ve seen the consequences of abstention—it only invites passivity and inaction.” His remarks directly counter Machado’s skepticism of electoral processes while underscoring voting as a cornerstone of democratic expression.
The former presidential candidate confirmed his intention to vote in upcoming parliamentary, gubernatorial, and mayoral elections, declaring, “I will defend my rights through the power of my vote, as often as necessary, using every democratic tool available to us.”
Capriles also highlighted the significance of voter turnout in the July 28 elections, noting that the results reflected citizens’ active engagement in defending their rights.
Historical opposition to abstention
This is not the first time Capriles has rejected calls for electoral boycotts. In February, he publicly criticized hardline opposition factions after members of his party’s National Executive Board unilaterally advocated electoral abstention. “This decision was made without consultation and disregards the broader movement,” he stated at the time.
Capriles pointed to past failures of abstentionist strategies, stressing that such approaches have repeatedly weakened the opposition. His remarks underscore the persistent ideological rift within Venezuelan opposition circles: while Capriles champions electoral mobilization as a path to reform, others, like Machado, dismiss elections as illegitimate and advocate boycotts.
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A divided opposition
The public critique of Machado and hardline leaders reveals ongoing fragmentation within Venezuela’s opposition coalition. Capriles’ push for electoral engagement contrasts sharply with factions that view participation as tacit endorsement of an unfair system. Analysts argue this division undermines efforts to present a united front against the government, further complicating the path to political change.
Capriles’ defense of voting seeks to reinvigorate civic participation and leverage electoral mechanisms to challenge the status quo. However, the opposition’s internal divide—between pragmatists advocating participation and hardliners promoting abstention—remains a key obstacle to building a cohesive alternative to Venezuela’s current leadership. Until this rift is resolved, the opposition’s ability to effect meaningful change will likely remain constrained.
(RedRadioVE) by Jhulimar Fraga
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/SA
