"Venezuela on edge before presidential elections: a change that could be historic."

In a climate of tension and expectation, Venezuela is preparing for the presidential elections on July 28, an event that is presented as a turning point in a country that has lived through years of economic and social crisis. The current president, Nicolás Maduro, 61, is seeking to secure a third term amid marked popular discontent reflected in surveys, which favor his opponent, Edmundo González Urrutia, a 74-year-old diplomat who has emerged as a candidate thanks to the support of María Corina Machado, whose political disqualification has left her out of the race. Maduro has intensified his campaign in an attempt to mobilize his base, claiming that his victory is the only guarantee of peace for the country. "An eventual arrival of the opposition to power could end in a 'bloodbath,'" warned the president, generating alarm reactions both nationally and internationally. In contrast, González Urrutia has promised change, reconciliation, and the possibility of return for millions of Venezuelans who have fled the crisis that has devastated the nation. The electoral atmosphere is charged with uncertainty. With an electoral roll of approximately 21 million, it is estimated that only 17 million people might exercise their right to vote, due to the massive migration that has shaken the country. Turnout presents itself as a crucial factor; while chavismo expects it to be low, the opposition considers it essential to mobilize as many voters as possible to dilute the officialist strength. In recent weeks, both candidates have conducted their campaign closures with mass events. Maduro appeared on Avenida Bolívar in Caracas, flooding the public space with his image, while González and the opposition took advantage of social media to expand their message, in a context where traditional media face restrictions. The polls, although questioned by the government, show a shift in support towards the opposition candidate, who has capitalized on the desire for change from a population tired of economic crisis and hyperinflation. The international community has turned its eyes to Venezuela. Regional leaders, such as Lula da Silva and Gabriel Boric, have expressed their concern over Maduro's threats and have urged for peace and respect for the electoral process. From Washington, National Security spokesperson John Kirby warned that repression and political violence are unacceptable, hoping that the vote reflects the true aspirations of the Venezuelan people. The immediate future of the country is at stake. Despite the official propaganda seeking to legitimize the process, many analysts and international organizations believe that the elections will not be free or fair. Juanita Goebertus from Human Rights Watch emphasized the importance of Venezuelans having the opportunity to choose, even though the context of distrust persists. The Bolivarian National Armed Forces, historically allied with chavismo, present themselves as an important actor in this electoral scenario. Maduro has declared that he has military backing, while González Urrutia has called on the military to respect the election results. This aspect of the electoral process is fundamental, as the institution has played a crucial role in repressing protests and maintaining order during times of crisis. The consequences of these elections are difficult to predict. A victory for Maduro could consolidate his power but also provoke a new wave of migration, as the population seeks to escape a situation that has led the country to economic ruin. Despite the opposition's rhetoric of change, the reality of a Venezuela worn down by years of failed economic policies raises doubts about the viability of a peaceful transition. Finally, the National Electoral Council, dominated by figures aligned with chavismo, will oversee the process, adding an additional layer of distrust among voters. Concerns have already been raised about the transparency of a system that has been accused of fraud in previous occasions. With the countdown to the elections underway, the eyes of the world are focused on Venezuela, where the future of the country could depend on the outcome of a single electoral day.