Venezuela's Election Tension: Gonzalez Trusts Military Amidst Fair Vote Concerns

Edmundo Gonzalez, Venezuela's opposition presidential candidate, expressed confidence in the military to uphold the election results despite concerns over fairness. Alongside opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, Gonzalez has garnered significant support. With longstanding military backing for President Nicolas Maduro, the opposition fears potential bans or restrictions against Gonzalez.

Venezuela's opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez expressed confidence on Thursday that the country's military will respect the outcome of Sunday's presidential election. Speaking at a press conference with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, Gonzalez, a prominent challenger, has secured substantial support, even from former Maduro loyalists.

Despite assurances from the current regime, the opposition and some independent bodies have raised doubts about the election's fairness. With President Nicolas Maduro seeking a third term, Gonzalez stated, "We are going to win ... and we trust that our armed forces will respect the will of our people."

The country's military, historically supportive of Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez, has pledged to honor the election results. Meanwhile, allegations of political persecution and strategic arrests of opposition members have further clouded the electoral process.

(With inputs from agencies.)