Venezuela - April 2024

Members of the Venezuelan diaspora have encountered significant issues when trying to register for the first time or change their information to cast their vote for the 28 July election. The National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral-CNE) announced that citizens would be able to register from abroad between 18 March to 16 April, yet many have faced numerous hurdles. These issues have been particularly evident in Argentina, a country with a large Venezuelan diaspora. There, the electoral registration began two weeks after the set time and was only announced through informal channels. Similar accounts of delays and irregularities have been seen throughout Latin America. Other prerequisites to vote, not foreseen in Venezuela's electoral framework, have also been added by Maduro's government, making registration from abroad more costly and timely. Thus, even though Venezuelan citizens might be registered, some cannot afford to go through the process of voting from abroad. 

Sources: Caracas Chronicles, Radio France Internationale, The Associated Press 

A bill known as the ‘Law against Fascism, Neofascism and Similar Expressions’ received preliminary approval from the legislature on 2 April. The bill establishes a broad and ambiguous definition of fascism, in contravention of human rights standards. Critics have expressed their concern over this bill, as it would increase criminalization of President Nicolas Maduro's political opponents and dissent. Its provisions include potential restrictions to free speech and freedom of assembly and association as a consequence of prohibitions on organizations and demonstrations that ‘glorify fascism’. Incitement to or ‘carrying out violent actions as a means or way to exercise political rights’ may carry a sentence of eight to twelve years imprisonment and ineligibility to hold public office. 

Sources: El País, Amnesty International