High-Stakes Venezuelan Election: Opposition vs. Maduro's Dominance

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and candidate Edmundo Gonzalez are rallying against President Nicolas Maduro in an attempt to end 25 years of ruling party dominance. Uncertainties remain about the Sunday's election's fairness and its outcome, with apprehensions of possible electoral misconduct and underhanded tactics.

The Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, alongside her coalition's candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, has drawn enthusiastic crowds in their bid to unseat President Nicolas Maduro. The pair aim to end a quarter-century of ruling party dominance.

Despite the fervor, uncertainties loom over Sunday's election. Maduro, ridiculed by many as having won his 2018 reelection through fraudulent means, remains audaciously confident. Meanwhile, opposition figures warn of potential underhanded tricks intended to skew the vote.

Support for Gonzalez, including from erstwhile ruling party followers, is notable. Yet, concerns persist about the fairness of the vote, fueled by decisions from electoral authorities and arrests of some opposition campaigners. Voters are urged to cast ballots early and keep vigil at polling stations.

(With inputs from agencies.)