International tension intensifies hours before the presidential elections in Venezuela.

Less than 48 hours before the presidential elections in Venezuela, international tension surrounding the electoral process has notably escalated, following the ban on a flight transporting former Latin American leaders and the deportation of observers sent by Chile. The situation has erupted in a context of increasing hostility, as President Nicolás Maduro seeks to consolidate his third term amid allegations of irregularities and a climate of repression against the opposition. The ban on a Copa Airlines flight that was set to transport several former heads of state, including Mireya Moscoso from Panama and Vicente Fox from Mexico, has been described as an intimidating act. From Tocumen Airport, where the flight attempted to take off, Moscoso shared the emotional reactions of the passengers, many of whom were Venezuelans wanting to participate in the elections. "We saw tears, people crying, asking us to stay," the former president recounted, highlighting the discontent and desperation of a people yearning for change. For his part, Diosdado Cabello, one of the most influential figures in the Chavista regime, defended the ban on the observers, arguing that no one should attend a "party" they were not invited to. These statements have been interpreted as a deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility of the electoral process, which already has a long history of questioning. The situation is further complicated by the disqualification of the main opposition candidate, María Corina Machado, which has forced the Unitary Platform to nominate Edmundo González Urrutia as its top representative. The Chilean government has firmly responded to the deportation of its senators, who were sent back to their country upon arriving at Maiquetía Airport. Senator Felipe Kast labeled the incident as a "great lie" about the supposed democracy proclaimed by Maduro's government. This action has echoed protests within the international community, increasing pressure on the Venezuelan regime and reflecting the concerns of governments in the region. The climate of concern has intensified further after Maduro warned of possible "bloodbaths" if the opposition were to win the elections, leading leaders like Lula da Silva and Gabriel Boric to express their alarm. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa also joined this chorus of critical voices, calling for an end to the harassment of the opposition and denouncing a state policy aimed at perpetuating itself in power. Despite the tensions, the National Electoral Council, led by Elvis Amoroso, has assured that everything is ready for the elections. However, the opposition has reported delays in setting up more than 30,000 polling stations, which could affect citizen participation in a process intended to involve 21 million voters. Meanwhile, human rights violations continue to be a hot topic. The NGO Foro Penal reported that at least 135 people linked to González Urrutia's campaign have been arrested, reflecting a systematic pattern of repression aimed at silencing dissenting voices. This context creates an atmosphere of fear and distrust, where many Venezuelans feel unsafe expressing their support for the opposition. Recent polls indicate a lead for González Urrutia, although Chavismo dismisses this data, accusing its opponents of attempting to disavow the results and incite violence. This confrontational rhetoric raises serious doubts about the legitimacy of the electoral process and the regime's willingness to accept an adverse outcome. As the election day approaches, Venezuela's future hangs by a thread. The elections are not only an opportunity for the people to express their will but also a test for the international community, which watches with concern as this crucial chapter in the country's history unfolds. The possibility of significant change in Venezuela's political direction is at stake, but the cost could be high in a context of increasing polarization and conflict.