In one of 2024’s most striking moments for democracy, Venezuela’s opposition won the presidential election with 70% of the vote—despite an unlevel playing field, violence, and intimidation. Their victory was confirmed by activists who collected 85% of official electoral tally sheets nationwide. But the regime refused to accept the result, declared Nicolás Maduro president-elect, and launched a brutal crackdown—jailing over 2,000 opponents and forcing many activists, journalists, and human rights defenders into hiding or exile.
NED partners responded with courage and innovation to ensure that independent news could still reach Venezuelans. Anticipating the regime’s reaction and increased censorship, a network of journalists supported by NED and led by grantee Connectas launched “Operation Retweet”—a bold initiative using AI-generated avatars, El Pana and La Chama, to anonymously share news, evade censorship, and protect reporters from retaliation.
When the crackdown escalated ahead of Maduro’s illegitimate inauguration, NED swiftly deployed a three-pronged contingency plan: supporting political organizers to mobilize grassroots networks, providing emergency assistance—including relocation, safe houses, and medical and psychological services—for those at risk, and backing core civil society groups offering legal, technical, and humanitarian aid to political prisoners and their families.
Through rapid action and resilient local partners, NED is helping sustain Venezuela’s democracy movement in a time of extraordinary repression—ensuring its leaders can stay safe, stay organized, and keep pushing for a peaceful, democratic transition.
