This is an opinion piece of Pedro Urruchurtu. Pedro is the Director of International Relations for María Corina Machado’s Campaign and the International Affairs Coordinator for Vente Venezuela. He is also member of the Liberal Network of Latin America (RELIAL), in which coordinates the Political Parties Group, and member of the Liberal International’s Human Rights Committee.

On October 22nd last year, Venezuela had an opportunity few autocratic countries have: a peaceful path towards democracy and freedom through the electoral route. Almost 3 million people (twice as many as forecast) voted for María Corina Machado, the main opposition leader in the country and the founder of the political party Vente Venezuela, in citizen-organized primary elections and, in doing so, gave her the popular legitimacy to lead the battle against dictatorship and challenge Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s current president, where it matters the most: at the ballot box.

Knowing this could happen, the regime tried to disqualify her in an illegal process. Since 1999, there had only been two people in power. Hugo Chávez until 2023, when he was succeeded by Maduro. Machado thus stands as the best hope for breaking with more than two decades of dictatorship and socialism, having gained more than 92 percent of the total vote in the primary election.

When a candidate wins by such a big margin in a primary election, any general election held without her becomes a sham. All parties within Venezuela, including the government, are cognizant of this fact, hence their persistent efforts in issuing threats against María Corina Machado and endeavoring to discredit her, both through legal means and public discourse.

For that, Venezuela would not accept any other leadership but hers, and neither should Europe. The EU, as an example of democracy, can only recognize competitive elections that meet minimum standards: a date for the electoral process, a reasonable timetable, international observation, the opening of the registry so that people inside and outside Venezuela can vote, and other conditions set out in the Barbados agreement and expressed on EP Resolution of 8 February 2024 on further repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela.

This approved resolution reflects the ongoing support that the European Union, through its various institutions, positions, decisions, and statements, has provided to the democratic cause in Venezuela. This has been exemplified by the deployment of an electoral observation mission in 2021 in the country, which resulted in a comprehensive report with recommendations for improving elections - and the expulsion of EU observers -, as well as taking measures against Venezuelan officials who have violated human rights. Additionally, there have been repeated calls for attention after civic spaces in the country were closed.

It is essential that Europe not only accompanies Venezuela in the search for free elections, but also in the creation of incentives and guarantees that make the regime understand that its best option, in its own interest, is to negotiate a transition through free elections in which, of course, María Corina Machado has to be allowed to participate. On the other hand, if these agreements are not implemented, there need to be sanctions imposed by the international community.

It is not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do. If we do not stop the regime, then millions more Venezuelans will flee the country, having consequences for Latin America and beyond. In 2023, Venezuelans, along with Syrians, Afghans, and Turks were the top asylum seekers on the European continent. The only way to stop that is to stop the regime that forces them to run away. Venezuelans know political change is the only guarantee they have.

On a more positive note, a free Venezuela would also mean a trustworthy trade partner for the European Union, much needed given the current context. Venezuela has one of the largest oil resources in the world, enough petroleum for the next 4,000 years. The privatization of Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), a state-owned oil and natural gas company, could turn the country into the energy hub of the Americas and could be a game-changer for Europe’s energy crisis.

Just as democratic cooperation can strengthen our nations, oblivion can condemn them. A few weeks ago, after the Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny’s tragic death, I could not help but compare his situation to the one my country is facing today. A brave, popular leader he represented hope for his people and, in the face of an authoritarian Russia, played a crucial role in inspiring and organizing citizens. We need to prevent another tragic case such as that of Alexei Navalny from happening ever again.

Since last year, I have been facing judicial persecution along with some of my colleagues. Juan Freites, Luis Camacaro, and Guillermo López, regional leaders from my party, Vente. Human-rights defenders like Rocío San Miguel are now in jail under false charges, after being victims of forced disappearance for almost one month. Injustice should not be a reason to give up but to fight much harder against it.

Tyrannies do not respect borders. What happens to some of us will end up affecting many others around the world, which is why Venezuela’s fight is also the fight for a free world. During this global multi-electoral year, Venezuela is a crucial piece in defining Russia’s and other foreign powers' influence over Latin America. This became very clear after the visit of the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Caracas and recent statements by officials of its government on the need to prioritize and develop relations with the Latin American region. Therefore, Europe’s support also means taking away much of Putin’s advantage over a region full of natural resources.

María Corina Machado leads that battle and stands as the only hope many of Venezuelans have for a free country. She already has Venezuela’s support. Europe should support her not as their favored candidate, but as the individual and leader unequivocally chosen by the Venezuelan people.

Today, being part of one of the most historical moments in Venezuelan recent history, I ask you and every European who defends democracy: please don’t turn your back on us. Your support is more important than you think for the freedom of millions of people. We will prevail and we will get our people back to rebuild a prosperous Venezuela.