Venezuelans in Colombia vote with hope for a change in their homeland.

This Sunday, the Venezuelan community in Colombia mobilized in a festive atmosphere, despite the rain, to exercise their right to vote in the 2024 Venezuelan presidential elections. In Bogotá, hundreds of Venezuelans gathered at a polling station, driven by the hope for change in the administration of their country, which has been marked by political and economic crisis. The decision to participate in these elections has become a symbol of resistance and the desire for reconstruction. Álvaro Carranque, one of the first to vote, expressed his excitement and longing for a better future. Having left his home 14 years ago, his visit to the polls represents not only a civic act but also a possibility to reconnect with his roots in a country engulfed in uncertainty. “We hope that the law will be upheld and that the will of the citizens will be respected,” Carranque stated, echoing the sentiments of many others who, with tears in their eyes, recalled their history and dreams of returning to a free Venezuela. With over 200 Venezuelans voting in the early hours of the morning, leaders from the Vente Venezuela platform, Colombia chapter, emphasized the importance of participation. The total of 7,012 citizens accredited to vote in Colombia contrasts with the total of 2.8 million Venezuelans living in the country. This imbalance in electoral representation underscores the complexity of the situation faced by migrants, who struggle to make their voices heard amid the chaos. Mariluz Palma, head of the Vente Venezuela campaign, urged voters to see this day as an opportunity for reconciliation. “We are approaching these elections as a moment to build a new Venezuela,” she affirmed, highlighting the importance of unity and peace in the electoral context. So far, no incidents have been reported in the voting process in Colombia, contributing to an atmosphere of tranquility and hope. Supporting this initiative, various personalities from both the artistic and political spheres in Colombia have expressed their backing for the Venezuelan people. Carlos Vives, a renowned Colombian singer, took to his social media to send a message of encouragement to his compatriots, wishing that the electoral day would be a milestone for the change they so desire. “Things have to change, I am with you,” he wrote, reaffirming his commitment to the Venezuelan cause. The mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán, also spoke in favor of voting and freedom, emphasizing that “today the door opens for that change.” The mayor's words resonated among the voters, who felt that their voices could finally be heard in a process that has been fraught with challenges and restrictions. However, the situation has not been without controversy. Colombian politicians, including former Vice President Marta Lucía Ramírez, reported being prevented from entering Venezuela to act as observers of the elections. This situation has raised criticisms regarding the transparency of the electoral process and the Maduro regime's willingness to allow fair competition. In the context of these elections, President Nicolás Maduro faces strong opposition, led by candidates such as Edmundo González Urrutia, representative of the Democratic Unitary Platform. Polls suggest a growing intention to vote for González Urrutia, adding an air of uncertainty to the results. The participation of ten candidates in the elections reflects the diversity of opinions and the desire for change among voters. The electoral day in Colombia has been a manifestation of hope and resistance. The Venezuelan community, although far from their home, has shown that their voice remains strong and united. The desire for democracy and change resonates in every ballot cast, and the future of Venezuela largely depends on what happens at the polls today. The eyes of the continent are on the results, as Venezuelans abroad continue to fight for freedom and democracy in their country.