Venezuela awaits with bated breath as presidential elections approach, with fears that incumbent Nicolas Maduro will attempt to steal the victory from the opposition candidate leading in polls. Despite lagging behind challenger Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, Maduro relies on a loyal electoral machinery for support in the economically devastated country.
The opposition is confident of victory, but analysts warn of regime interference that could lead to a contested outcome and potential post-election violence. With popular opposition figures disqualified, the Democratic Unitary Platform selected Gonzalez Urrutia as their candidate, while the majority of other candidates lack significant support.
The country is in turmoil as Venezuelans suffer from a crumbling economy and political unrest. In the lead-up to the elections, over 100 arrests of opposition-affiliated individuals have been reported, with hundreds labelled as political prisoners.
The future of Venezuela hangs in the balance as the world watches the events unfold, unsure of what lies ahead for the once-rich nation now struggling to survive under Maduro’s rule.