Venezuela Election: Opposition Candidate Leads in Surveys against Maduro
The current head of state Maduro, in office since 2013, is campaigning for a third six-year term. The 61-year-old self-proclaimed Marxist is unpopular among many voters due to the economic crisis in the country. However, government opponents and experts fear that Maduro would not acknowledge the victory of his challenger.
According to most surveys, Maduro can only count on slightly more than 30% of the votes, whereas the former diplomat González Urrutia is believed to have between 50 and 70% of the votes. Other presidential candidates are considered unlikely to win.
Maduro's election in 2018 was not recognized by most western countries. As a result, sanctions were imposed on Venezuela. Maduro is accused of suppressing the opposition in the country. For instance, the opposition politician María Corina Machado was denied a presidential candidacy on charges of corruption.
Moreover, Maduro is also blamed for the economic crisis and hyperinflation in oil-rich Venezuela, which forced millions of Venezuelans to leave their homeland.
- The upcoming Presidential election in Venezuela on Sunday is causing widespread concern among opposition leaders and international observers.
- Despite the low confidence in Maduro, as shown in various Venezuela:Surveys, he has announced his intention to participate in the Urnengang election.
- Edmundo González, the opposition candidate, has been gaining popularity in recent polls, making him a strong contender in the election.
- If elected, González would face significant challenges, as the western countries, who did not recognize Maduro's 2018 victory, have not yet indicated their stance on his Presidency.
- Critics argue that the Presidential election in Venezuela under Maduro's rule has not been fair or democratic, with numerous reports of voter intimidation and irregularities.
- The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela during this crucial period, with the hope of ensuring a transparent and fair Presidential election.
