On May 26, 2025, former Zulia state governor Manuel Rosales made a resolute declaration to continue his political journey, undeterred by the recent setbacks in regional and legislative elections.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Government Palace in Maracaibo, Rosales projected an image of determination and resilience. He emphasized that political life does not conclude with defeat; instead, it heralds a new chapter in the ongoing struggle. “We will persist on the electoral path, despite the pain it inflicts, standing firm with the truth at the forefront, free from deceptive promises or misleading rhetoric,” the opposition leader asserted in his remarks.
Rosales, who faced off against Chavista candidate Luis Caldera for the governorship of Zulia, acknowledged his defeat with a poised yet assertive address. With official reports indicating he garnered only 35.35% of the vote, he expressed gratitude to supporters of his campaign and his party, Un Nuevo Tiempo (UNT), as well as his allies.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to those who safeguarded our votes at polling stations, to the mobilization teams, and to everyone who supported us,” he remarked. Despite the disappointment, Rosales clarified that his political battle is far from over: “This is not the conclusion; it marks a new chapter in my life and my political endeavors.”
One of the highlights of his speech was a pointed critique aimed at certain opposition sectors led by María Corina Machado, who had advocated for abstention in the May 25 elections. Rosales labeled this approach as a “categorically mistaken message” that falsely suggested change was imminent and that abstention was crucial to achieving it.
“I hope those who championed abstention do not come to regret their decisions,” he lamented, reflecting on the overwhelming electoral loss suffered by the opposition as Chavismo fortified its grip by winning three additional regions, including Zulia.
Manuel Rosales: A Commitment to the Electoral Route
Manuel Rosales, the UNT leader and a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition, served as governor of Zulia from 2000 to 2008 and again from 2021 until his recent electoral defeat.
In 2006, he competed for the presidency against Hugo Chávez, and in 2024, he stepped in as a last-minute presidential candidate following the disqualification of María Corina Machado and the blocking of Corina Yoris by the National Electoral Council (CNE).
His decision to run in 2024 was perceived as an effort to salvage the opposition’s electoral strategy, albeit sparking internal controversy within the Democratic Unity Platform (PUD).
Rosales has consistently advocated for the electoral route as the sole viable solution for Venezuela. In his address, he reiterated the necessity for the opposition to pursue a “civic, electoral, and democratic path,” dismissing any alternatives. “There is no other way forward, and if anyone has a different proposal, I am all ears,” he challenged.
The Rise of Chavismo and Abstention as a Double-Edged Sword
The National Electoral Council (CNE), now under governmental control, revealed that the Great Patriotic Pole, a coalition spearheaded by Nicolás Maduro, secured 82.68% of the votes, winning 23 out of 24 governorships and achieving a substantial majority in the National Assembly. This result unfolded against a backdrop of significant abstention, with voter participation plummeting to a mere 42.6%.
This high abstention rate was urged by opposition factions led by María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, who called for a boycott of the elections in protest of what they termed the fraudulent presidential elections of 2024. However, this strategy resulted in a dramatic reduction in opposition representation, which diminished from four governorships in 2021 to just one in 2025.
The EU Condemns the Elections in Venezuela for Taking Place in a Repressive Environment
In the meantime, the European Union has denounced the recent Venezuelan elections, describing them as a process marred by the repression of dissent and a lack of democratic safeguards.
The EU High Representative expressed grave concerns regarding the restrictive environment surrounding the elections, highlighting an escalation in repression and harassment against the opposition and civil society since the presidential elections of July 2024.
Additionally, the EU has called upon Nicolás Maduro’s government to cease all unjust and arbitrary detentions and to release all political prisoners unconditionally.
The international community, including the United States and the Organization of American States, has rallied behind these demands, advocating for impartial verification of the election results and the protection of human rights in Venezuela.
This EU statement underscores rising international alarm over the authoritarian tendencies of the Chavista regime and the pressing need to restore democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela.
Russia Backs Venezuela’s Disputed Electoral Process
Meanwhile, the Russian government, via its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has commended the parliamentary and regional elections held in Venezuela on May 25, 2025, describing them as “well-organized and free of violations.” This assertion sharply contrasts with widespread allegations of fraud, political persecution, and a voter turnout that barely exceeded 43%, according to official figures from the National Electoral Council (CNE), which remains under the control of the ruling Chavista regime. While the opposition denounces the process as manipulated and untrustworthy, Moscow continues to endorse Nicolás Maduro as a reliable regional ally.
Russia’s endorsement not only underscores a long-standing geopolitical alliance but also seems to be a strategic maneuver to counter international criticism aimed at the Venezuelan regime for human rights violations and systemic electoral fraud.
The absence of independent observers, the arbitrary disqualification of opposition leaders, and the wave of repression leading up to the elections further solidify the perception that what transpired in Venezuela was far from a democratic election. Rather than a celebration of civic engagement, the nation experienced an election day overshadowed by fear, political fragmentation, and the silencing of a disenchanted populace.
The Need for a Unified and Strategic Opposition
The fragmentation within the Venezuelan opposition has significantly contributed to Chavismo’s retention of power. While some factions advocate for abstention and international denunciations, others, like Rosales, assert that electoral participation is crucial for enacting change.
It is essential for the Venezuelan opposition to transcend its divisions and formulate a unified strategy that amalgamates international pressure with proactive engagement in electoral processes. Only through such concerted efforts can they effectively challenge the Chavista regime and forge a pathway toward democratic transition.
