THE United States has officially recognised Juan Guaido, self-proclaimed president of Venezuela, as the country’s leader. Guaido has also been recognised by Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay and Peru.
The US has pressed all nations to stand with the forces of freedom. European Council president Donald Tusk expressed hope the EU would support de-mocratic forces.
The question is, can democracy and freedom resolve humanitarian issues effecting Venezuelans?
Can democracy and freedom guarantee that there will not be inequality?
Take a look at countries with a one-party rule such as China.
Millions of people have been uplifted from hardcore poverty by the communist regime, where its people have never experienced the western notion of freedom and democracy.
Chinese citizens today are taking the lead in creative technological and economic endeavours that are taking the country to another level.
Cuba’s literacy rate is at 100 per cent and its life expectancy parallels First World nations despite limited funding and suppliers.
It is not merely freedom and democracy that enlighten a nation, but also compassionate leaders who are honest and in solidarity with the needs of the people.
Democracy and freedom meet their purpose only when ordinary men and women are given equal opportunities to grow in self and collectively as a community, able to decide on their destiny and leaders, who are conscientious and take the wellbeing of the people into consideration.
In this context, there has been disregard on the part of certain Western nations to the humanitarian crisis that has polarised Venezuela, where issues have been narrowed to democracy and freedom with the underlying motive to control the South American nation.
The focus has been on getting rid of President Nicolas Maduro in the name of freedom and democracy.
In Europe, there are millions of youth who are jobless, so why has the so-called concept of freedom and democracy not resolved the rights of Europeans to be employed?
Last year, the rate of unemployment in European countries such as Greece went up to 20.2 per cent, followed by Spain (15.2 per cent), Italy (10.9 per cent) and France (9.2 per cent).
The unemployment rate is high for countries that have great freedom and democratic credentials.
In the US, a quarter of workers make less than US$10 (RM40) per hour, creating an income that is below the federal poverty level.
The rich in the US recovered from the 2008 financial crisis where in 2012, the top 10 per cent of earners took home 50 per cent of all income.
That’s the highest percentage in the last 100 years in the US.
These are countries that have embraced the neo-liberal economy system that has undermined democracy in relation to workers’ rights to be employed and grow.
This fact shows that the crisis in Venezuela is more about the underlying economic system that, in fact, erodes democracy.
The way forward is for the Venezuelan government and opposition to address high inflation and lack of medical supplies that have affected people.
Nations should help in the mediation process to bring the parties together. This requires a joint solution for the common good of the nation instead of obsessing over political power.
The Maduro regime has depended on its oil resources and created social programmes to empower the poor, but it has not built a foundation to diversify its economy, and this has made it vulnerable to the fluctuation of oil prices, which has affected its currency.
Its rigid ideological socialism has failed to create a sustainable economic eco-system that works for the nation in a neo-liberal global economy. Furthermore, economic sanctions by the US have created more hardships for Venezuelans.
The road map for democracy should take place only after the humanitarian crisis is resolved.
The US and Europe should stop deceiving people with democratic slogans when their aim is to gain control of the oil resources of Venezuela through their companies.
Respect for the sovereignty of Venezuela demands an end to the humanitarian crisis, and democratic solutions that are owned by Venezuelans.
RONALD BENJAMIN
Executive secretary, Association for Community and Dialogue