Venezuelans in Australia Begin Voting in Presidential Elections
- ByTricia Monteiro --
- 2024-07-30 09:50:32 --
- 0 Comments --
- AU
The electoral journey for Venezuelans residing in Australia, where it is already July 28th, has begun as they start casting their votes in the presidential elections. According to reports on social media, the first Venezuelan to participate in the voting process at the Venezuelan Embassy in Canberra was Gabriel Mijares, who expressed his excitement at the opportunity to vote and escape the dictatorship.
The electoral day in Australia commenced at 6:20 am at the Venezuelan Embassy in Canberra. In the consular delegation, 1,017 Venezuelans are eligible to vote at the two polling stations that were set up on July 26th.
Another Venezuelan who participated in the election from Australia is María Margarita Ruiz, as reported by journalist Aurimar Freitez.
The elections on Sunday feature 10 candidates, with Edmundo González, the candidate for the Democratic Unity Platform, and Nicolás Maduro, the incumbent, being the most prominent. Venezuelans will have the choice between change or the continuation of Chavismo.
According to the president of the Venezuelan Diaspora Observatory, Tomás Páez, of the more than 6.5 million Venezuelans abroad, less than 100,000 will be able to vote. Venezuelans overseas will cast their ballots manually in the presidential election on July 28th, unlike voters in Venezuela, who will use an electronic ballot.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) has stated that the only document required for Venezuelans abroad to exercise their right to vote is a valid or expired laminated identity card.
The voter will receive the electoral ballot and a pen with which they must fill in the oval corresponding to the candidate of their choice, as specified in the manual governing the voting process in diplomatic or consular representations of the CNE.
"Estamos a 3 grados centígrados. Mi nombre es Gabriel Mijares, vengo de Brisbane. Que inmenso placer estar acá hoy, es una oportunidad dorada para salir de esta dictadura."
The electoral process for Venezuelans abroad is a crucial step in their ongoing efforts to bring about change in their homeland. Despite the challenges and obstacles they face, the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote is a significant milestone in their journey towards a brighter future for Venezuela.
As the world watches, the Venezuelan diaspora in Australia and across the globe are making their voices heard, determined to contribute to the shaping of their country's future. This election represents a glimmer of hope for those who have been forced to seek refuge abroad, and a testament to their unwavering commitment to democracy and freedom.
The participation of Venezuelans in the electoral process, even from afar, is a powerful statement of their desire for change and their refusal to be silenced. As the votes are tallied, the international community will be closely monitoring the outcome, hoping that it will pave the way for a new chapter of stability and prosperity in Venezuela.
In the face of adversity, the resilience and determination of the Venezuelan people shines through. This election represents a critical juncture in their struggle for a better future, and the world is watching with bated breath to see the outcome and its implications for the nation's path forward.
As the votes are cast and the results are tallied, the Venezuelan diaspora in Australia and beyond will continue to be a powerful force for change, steadfast in their commitment to democracy and the betterment of their beloved homeland.