Venezuelans are casting their votes in a presidential election that will either bring about a dramatic shift in the country's political landscape or extend by six years the policies that have contributed to the world's most severe peacetime economic collapse.
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| International Headlines from International News Bulletin |
Venezuelans are heading to the polls in a critical presidential election that could either usher in a profound political transformation or extend by six years the policies that have contributed to the world's most severe peacetime economic collapse.
The choice is between President Nicolás Maduro seeking another term and his main opponent, former diplomat Edmundo González. The outcome of Sunday's vote is expected to have significant repercussions throughout the Americas, with both supporters and detractors of Maduro considering emigration if he wins. Over 7.7 million Venezuelans have already left the country, while an estimated 17 million are eligible to vote.
González, representing a coalition of opposition parties, was chosen in April as a stand-in for Maria Corina Machado, who was barred from running by the Maduro-controlled Supreme Tribunal of Justice. For the first time, opposition factions have united behind a single candidate.
Polls opened at 6 a.m., but voters began queuing at many centres well before then, sharing water, coffee, and snacks as they waited.
Latest Updates:
CARACAS, Venezuela — Minister of Defense General Vladimir Padrino López reported that the first six hours of voting have proceeded without major incidents, describing the day as peaceful. He urged Venezuelans not to rely on social media for reports of violence, noting that not all information online is accurate. Edmundo González expressed confidence that the Venezuelan Armed Forces would respect the people's will, though the military, a key supporter of Maduro, is in charge of election logistics and security.
González's campaign has struggled to gain military support to challenge Maduro, who was re-elected in 2018 under contested circumstances. Senior military commanders, including the Minister of Defense, have publicly supported Maduro, making the military a significant obstacle to political change.
CARACAS, Venezuela — Opposition candidate Edmundo González praised the high voter turnout, calling it a sign of unity and hope for Venezuela. He expressed optimism that the election marks the beginning of a reconciliation process and promised to create conditions for the return of nearly 8 million Venezuelans who have fled the country.
CARACAS, Venezuela — MarÃa Gabriela Chávez, daughter of the late President Hugo Chávez, cast her vote in a school room decorated with her father's image. She invoked her father's memory, suggesting that he would have advised victory in the election. This election coincided with what would have been Chávez’s 70th birthday, and his supporters celebrated with a cake in his honour.
CARACAS, Venezuela — Judy Oropeza, who lost her sister to a lack of medical care during the economic crisis, expressed her determination to vote for change despite some improvement in conditions. Oropeza, who had to abandon her teaching career due to economic hardship, is driven by the hope for a better future.
CARACAS, Venezuela — Maduro's campaign strategy includes mobilizing supporters through the "1 x 10" initiative, where each supporter recruits ten more. Maduro's campaign chief, Jorge RodrÃguez, asserted that their efforts are well-organized.
CARACAS, Venezuela — Authorities set the election date to coincide with what would have been Hugo Chávez’s 70th birthday, a symbolic gesture by the ruling socialist party to garner support. In Chávez’s old neighbourhood, supporters marked the occasion with a celebratory cake.
CARACAS, Venezuela — President Nicolás Maduro has pledged to respect the election results and called on other candidates to do the same. He emphasized his commitment to accepting the official outcome and ensuring order.
TOKYO, Japan — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for an election that genuinely reflects Venezuelans’ will, free from manipulation. He assured that the U.S. will not influence the outcome but will closely monitor the process, urging all parties to respect democratic norms.
CARACAS, Venezuela — Opposition candidate Daniel Ceballos faced hostility from supporters as he arrived to vote, reflecting divisions within the opposition. Ceballos, a former leader of anti-Maduro protests, has been criticized for his recent alignment with certain factions.
CARACAS, Venezuela — Clarisa Machado, a 74-year-old sociologist, voted for Maduro, believing that the experience gained by the government through years of crisis will better prepare it to address future challenges and improve living standards.
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