Edmundo González Urrutia could upset Nicolás Maduro’s run for a third term – but several obstacles can prevent a regime change

Venezuelans go to the polls on Sunday against a backdrop of hope and fear in a presidential election that could end 25 years of socialist rule – if a free and fair vote is allowed.

Opinion polls suggest that the president Nicolás Maduro, 61, who is seeking his third term, could be defeated by the opposition coalition candidate, retired diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia, 74.

But experts warn that it is one thing for González to gain more votes, and another is for him to be announced as winner by the National Electoral Council, which is aligned with Maduro’s government.

Independent observers describe this election as the most arbitrary in recent years, even by the standards of an authoritarian regime that started with Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chávez.

  • spongebue@lemmy.worldEnglish
    31·
    2 years ago

    Ok, there are still a few airlines that fly into Caracas (many have pulled out). I’m sure that’s a coincidence though. You go there and let me know how it is.

      • spongebue@lemmy.worldEnglish
        22·
        2 years ago

        So the opposite of everything we hear is actually true, and things are quite peachy in Venezuela? Ok, got it. Thank you for enlightening me! I’m sure all the migrants that made it up here will be thrilled to know they can go back home now