Voting Matters: Venezuela

Venezuela has a long, tumulus, violent history when it comes to the government in their country. In 1998 a man named Chavez came to rule in Venezuela. As an elected official he incited the "Bolivian Revolution" which gave way to a new form of government, a new constitution, and a new way of life in the country. In 2002 a rebellion occurred, and Chavez was taken into custody. The new standing government failed, and Chavez was put back into office. As he came back into office, it became clear the kind of country he wanted to run. Regulations were put on social media and the internet, and land was being redistributed, worrying the ranchers and land workers of Venezuela. Chavez had filled the parliament with loyalists, and parties loyal to him dominate the government. In 2006 he wins his third election, and remains in office, despite the people's opposition to his authority. In 2013 Chavez dies, but his possession is taken by his chosen successor, Nicholas Maduro. As oil prices drop Venezuela is impacted. Electricity is cut off at certain times, and inflation is at a record high. The people take to the streets, blaming Maduro for the economic crisis. Now Venezuela is dealing with food shortages, extreme inflation, and are being reined by a dictatorship. The government is entirely controlling the country, and although elections are being held, the citizen's voices are not being taken into account.
Today more than 50,000 people are crossing the border each day to avoid the humanitarian crisis taking place in Venezuela. My Spanish teacher in middle school was from Venezuela, and each month she would send a box of food, toilet paper, and other necessities for her family that was still there. Her family could not afford basic needs because of the inflation, and were is desperate need of food and medical assistance. Other counties are putting more pressure on the Venezuelan government to fix what is going on, but no results have been accounted for. Voting is not changing the situation.