The Venezuelan community in Calgary came together on Saturday to demand fair and free presidential elections in their homeland. The rally, organized by the Venezuelan Canadian Association of Calgary, aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela and to show support for the Venezuelan people.
The event, held at Olympic Plaza, saw a large turnout of Venezuelans and their supporters, all united in their call for democratic change in their country. Many attendees held signs and chanted slogans, expressing their frustration with the current government and their desire for a new leader.
The Venezuelan community in Calgary has been closely following the situation in their home country, where President Nicolas Maduro has been in power since 2013. The country has been plagued by economic turmoil, corruption, and human rights violations under his regime. In 2018, opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president, but Maduro has refused to step down, leading to a political stalemate.
At the rally, speakers emphasized the need for free and fair elections in Venezuela, where the government has been accused of rigging previous elections and suppressing opposition voices. They also called for the release of political prisoners and an end to the violence and repression against protesters.
One of the speakers, Maria Rodriguez, shared her personal story of leaving Venezuela and the struggles her family and friends still face in their home country. She urged the international community to take action and support the Venezuelan people in their fight for democracy.
The rally also featured cultural performances, including traditional Venezuelan music and dance, showcasing the rich heritage of the country and its people.
Organizers of the event hope that their message will reach the Canadian government and other international bodies, urging them to put pressure on the Maduro regime to hold free and fair elections. They also hope to raise awareness among Canadians about the situation in Venezuela and garner support for the Venezuelan people.
As the rally came to a close, the crowd joined together in a moment of silence for the lives lost in the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela. The event served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the Venezuelan community in Calgary, and their unwavering commitment to fighting for a better future for their homeland.
