Venezuela

In December 1998, Hugo Chávez, a former military officer and leader of the Bolivarian Revolution, was elected President of Venezuela. Chávez rose to power on a platform of social reform, anti-corruption, and a new constitution. His election marked a significant shift in Venezuelan politics, as he promised to redistribute the nation’s oil wealth and challenge the status quo. This began a period of significant political and economic change in Venezuela.

On December 15, 1999, a referendum was held in Venezuela to approve a new constitution proposed by President Hugo Chávez. The new constitution was approved by a wide margin. It established a unicameral legislature, extended the presidential term, and granted the president the ability to seek reelection. The constitution also focused on human rights, social responsibility, and political participation, fundamentally altering Venezuela's political landscape.

On April 11, 2002, a coup attempt against President Hugo Chávez took place in Venezuela. Following days of protests and clashes in Caracas, Chávez was briefly ousted from power with parts of the military supporting the coup. Pedro Carmona, a business leader, declared himself interim president. However, within 48 hours, Chávez was restored to power following mass protests by his supporters and divisions within the military. The event highlighted Venezuela's deep political divisions.

On March 5, 2013, President Hugo Chávez died at the age of 58 after a long battle with cancer. His death marked the end of an era in Venezuelan politics. Chávez was a polarizing figure known for his charismatic leadership, socialist policies, and confrontations with the United States. Following his death, Nicolás Maduro, Chávez's chosen successor, became the interim president and later won the election. Chávez's death left Venezuela deeply divided politically and economically challenged.

On February 18, 2014, Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López was arrested on charges of inciting violence during anti-government protests. López was a key figure in the opposition to President Nicolás Maduro's government, which faced widespread discontent due to economic mismanagement and shortages. His arrest became a symbol of the government's crackdown on political dissent, drawing international attention and condemnation from human rights organizations.

The parliamentary elections held on December 6, 2015, marked a significant shift in Venezuelan politics as the opposition coalition, the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), won a supermajority in the National Assembly. This was the first time in over 15 years that Chávez's party and its allies lost control of the legislature. The results highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with President Nicolás Maduro’s government amid a worsening economic crisis.

On July 30, 2017, the Venezuelan government held elections to form a new Constitutional Assembly, a move widely seen as an attempt by President Nicolás Maduro to consolidate power amid ongoing protests and economic crisis. The election was boycotted by the opposition and marred by claims of fraud and violence. The assembly's establishment was condemned internationally, as it effectively nullified the opposition-controlled parliament and gave sweeping powers to Maduro's government.

On May 20, 2018, Nicolás Maduro was re-elected as President of Venezuela in an election criticized both domestically and internationally for irregularities and lack of transparency. The opposition boycotted the election, alleging unfair practices, and many countries refused to recognize the results. Maduro's victory solidified his grip on power amid a collapsing economy and mass emigration due to severe shortages of basic necessities and hyperinflation.

On January 23, 2019, Juan Guaidó, leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself interim president of Venezuela, challenging Nicolás Maduro's rule. This declaration came after widespread claims that Maduro's re-election was illegitimate. Guaidó received the backing of multiple countries, including the United States, and pledged to lead a transitional government and hold free elections. The move sparked a political crisis and deepened the division within the country.

On December 6, 2020, parliamentary elections were held in Venezuela under President Nicolás Maduro's government. The election was heavily criticized internationally and boycotted by major opposition parties over allegations of unfair practices and lack of transparency. As a result, Maduro's Socialist Party won a sweeping victory. The result consolidated Maduro's control over the last institution previously outside his influence, further marginalizing the opposition.