#democracy

Nicolás Maduro’s declared victory in Venezuela's presidential election has been widely condemned as fraudulent by the opposition and international observers, including Canada. This deepens the nation's protracted political and humanitarian crisis, creating a complex challenge for Ottawa and its allies. Canada must now navigate calls for stronger sanctions and support for democracy while considering the implications for regional stability, a historic migration crisis, and the geopolitical landscape. The outcome tests Canada's foreign policy in a volatile Latin America, where allegiances are increasingly divided between democratic and authoritarian blocs.

A failed coup attempt in Bolivia, led by a rogue general, has sent shockwaves through Latin America and put Ottawa on alert. While President Luis Arce’s government quickly regained control, the event underscores the nation's deep political instability. For Canada, the turmoil poses significant risks to its substantial mining investments in the region and tests its foreign policy commitment to upholding democratic order. The crisis also casts a shadow over the future of Bolivia’s vast lithium reserves, a critical mineral for the global green energy transition in which Canada is a key player.