but ultimately democracy will only prevail if Venezuelans liberate themselves

Completely agree with this. It is necessary to have in change in the mindset, and understand the importance of having complete individual freedom.

as interference from foreign powers will be viewed as suspicious by Venezuelans

Not right now, each passing day more and more people are thinking a military intervention is the only way to get out of this mess. In Venezuela people don't have guns to fight against totalitarians.

I for one do not understand this tactic, as if you don't vote, then frankly you get what you're given.

Voting in Venezuela is pointless because the government control the organism who host the elections (CNE). The complete electoral system is corrupted and participating in the voting process would only legitimate such a system.