Venezuelans reject Chavismo: ‘Lost revolution, years of misery’ | Global

Tamara Almeida, a former Chavista community leader, is surprised to see only three posters of Nicolás Maduro in her neighborhood, compared to the many she used to put up herself. She measures support based on the number of posters she sees. As Chavistas switch sides, opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia gains more voting intent. Tamara, once a key figure in mobilizing votes for Maduro, now faces hostility from her neighbors who no longer support him. Her disenchantment with the government’s policies led her to support a change for the better.

As the economic collapse under Maduro continues, more Venezuelans like Tamara are abandoning Chavismo. Former Chavistas like Douglas Hernandez and Cleimer Márquez, disillusioned with the elite’s enrichment at the expense of the people, are now supporting Urrutia. Despite fears of intimidation and repression by the government, they are determined to seek change in the upcoming election.

In a country ravaged by economic crises and mass emigration, Venezuelans are hoping for a brighter future. As former Chavistas join the opposition, there is a growing sentiment that change is imminent on July 28.