The writer traveled to Venezuela from July 23-29 as an international observer for the presidential election. The writer received an overview of the election process and visited five polling stations in Caracas to observe the voting process in person. Voting was taking place in a free and peaceful environment. After the election, the writer participated in the announcement of the results and witnessed the Venezuelan people gathered in front of the Presidential Palace in Caracas to celebrate the results. The writer also saw the violent protests that took place in Caracas the day after the election.

On July 28, Venezuela's presidential election was held, and the National Electoral Council (CNE) announced that total voter turnout was 59%, with President Nicolas Maduro receiving 51.95% of the vote (6.4 million votes) and Edmundo Gonzalez receiving 43.18% (5.3 million votes) of the nine opposition candidates. As a result, incumbent President Nicolas Maduro will begin his third term in January 2025. However, the results of Venezuela's presidential election have been under debate for a month now, both within the country and around the world. 

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Venezuela is currently undergoing a revolution that challenges the U.S. unipolar order in favor of a multipolar world. Despite facing issues like corruption and economic difficulties, the Bolivarian Revolution—a 25-year-old initiative of direct democracy that empowers the people—has bolstered communes and continues to secure basic human needs through social programs, including free healthcare and housing missions.

Moreover, the Bolivarian process encourages regional cooperation in Latin America. The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America—The People's Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) remains committed to promoting trade and cooperation based on solidarity. This commitment explains why the majority of Venezuelans have supported the current government for 25 years and why Latin American and Caribbean nations stand in solidarity with Venezuela.

As South Korea strengthens its alliance with the U.S., Venezuelan news is often reported through the lens of mainstream Western media. For instance, the media labels Nicolas Maduro as a “dictator” simply because he is serving his third term. Nonetheless, it is crucial to observe the Bolivarian Revolution as it continues to foster direct democracy, social programs ensuring basic needs, and solidarity-based trade. These efforts symbolize hope for a society distinct from one dominated by capitalism, which exacerbates the wealth gap, views basic needs as individual burdens, and disregards the people's will in politics. I am writing from Venezuela, serving as an international observer for the presidential election, and I am keenly anticipating the results on Sunday (July 28).

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