Tension builds as Venezuela awaits election results

There is a tense wait for the result of the presidential election in Venezuela. Many want to see a change and President Nicolás Maduro's more than ten years in power could be over.

» Published: July 28 2024

Tension builds as Venezuela awaits election results
Photo: Matias Delacroix/AP/TT

Tension is building as the result of the presidential election in Venezuela is awaited.

Many want to see a change and President Nicolás Maduro's more than ten years in power could be over.

For the first time in a long time, it seems as though the opposition in the country actually has a chance, according to AP.

US Vice President Kamala Harris, soon likely to be the formal Democratic presidential candidate, writes on the social media platform X that the election result must be respected when it comes. Harris posted the comment when the polling stations had just started closing on Sunday evening, local time, in Venezuela.

During Maduro's eleven-year socialist rule, Venezuela has been plunged deeper into economic crisis. The financial collapse has forced millions – the figure 7.7 million is mentioned – of inhabitants to flee the country. Of those who remain, around 80 percent live in poverty, according to the UN.

Among the opposition candidates is former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia, Maduro's main challenger.

Backpack with snacks

Previously, the opposition has been divided and boycotted the previous election. But in April, González Urrutia was appointed leader of a coalition and replaced María Corina Machado, who was barred from running by the Maduro-loyal Supreme Court.

The opposition urged citizens to return to the polling stations to follow the vote count themselves and ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Liana Ibarra from Caracas was already queuing at 3 am on Sunday morning, equipped with a backpack full of snacks and coffee. At that point, 150 people were already ahead of her.

Previously, people were indifferent to elections. That's no longer the case, she says.

She says that if the opposition doesn't win, she will emigrate. Many in her family have already left the country.

We can't take it anymore, says Liana Ibarra.

Major shortage of medicines

In the working-class area of Petare, in eastern Caracas, people queued for several hours before the polling stations opened.

It's time for change in Venezuela, says Judith Cantilla.

She says that people are tired of the economically tough situation in the country and that more jobs and higher wages need to be created, among other things, for healthcare personnel. According to Cantilla, the widespread shortage of medicines in the country is another important issue that needs to be addressed.

Many of the millions of Venezuelans who have emigrated voted from their new home countries.

There is some doubt as to whether President Maduro will accept the verdict of the voters if the opposition wins. But after voting, Maduro promised that he would "ensure that the result is respected".

Tags

TTT
By TT - Translated and adapted by Sweden Herald under license from TT

More news

Russia and Ukraine Exchange Over
1 MIN READ

Russia and Ukraine Exchange Over 240 Prisoners in Rare Cooperation

Skepticism Grows Over Putin's Ceasefire
2 MIN READ

Skepticism Grows Over Putin's Ceasefire Announcement in Ukraine

Taliban Voices Concern Over Pakistan's
1 MIN READ

Taliban Voices Concern Over Pakistan's Afghan Deportations

Trump's Push to Reshape Federal
2 MIN READ

Trump's Push to Reshape Federal Bureaucracy Raises Power Balance Concerns

Car Workers Question Impact of
5 MIN READ

Car Workers Question Impact of Trump's Tariffs on Jobs

Prominent Tunisian Critics Sentenced to
1 MIN READ

Prominent Tunisian Critics Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms

US Supreme Court Halts Venezuelan
1 MIN READ

US Supreme Court Halts Venezuelan Deportations After ACLU Appeal

USA and Iran Set for
3 MIN READ

USA and Iran Set for New Nuclear Talks in Oman Next Saturday

Milei's Economic Plan: Argentina Eyes
4 MIN READ

Milei's Economic Plan: Argentina Eyes Strongest Growth in 30 Years

Genre image
1 MIN READ

USA Considers Recognizing Crimea as Russian in Peace Deal Talks

Senator Van Hollen Criticizes El
2 MIN READ

Senator Van Hollen Criticizes El Salvador's "Margarita-gate" Stunt

Hezbollah Leader Qassem Vows to
2 MIN READ

Hezbollah Leader Qassem Vows to Retain Arms Despite Pressure

USA to Relocate 1,000 Troops
1 MIN READ

USA to Relocate 1,000 Troops from Syria in Coming Months

Genre image
1 MIN READ

Congo River Boat Fire Leaves 148 Dead, Over 100 Still Missing

Asean Calls on Myanmar Junta
1 MIN READ

Asean Calls on Myanmar Junta to Honor Ceasefire After Earthquake

Judge Blocks Trump's Plan to
1 MIN READ

Judge Blocks Trump's Plan to Cut CFPB Workforce

Australian Fighter for Ukraine Faces
1 MIN READ

Australian Fighter for Ukraine Faces Mercenary Charges in Luhansk

Venice Doubles Tourist Day-Trip Fee
2 MIN READ

Venice Doubles Tourist Day-Trip Fee for Non-Overnight Visitors

Trials Begin for Nearly 200
2 MIN READ

Trials Begin for Nearly 200 Critics of Turkish Regime Protests

Iran Nuclear Talks in Rome
2 MIN READ

Iran Nuclear Talks in Rome Face Doubts and Threats

Vance Expresses Cautious Optimism on
2 MIN READ

Vance Expresses Cautious Optimism on Ukraine Peace Talks in Europe

Ukraine Receives Remains of Over
1 MIN READ

Ukraine Receives Remains of Over 900 Fallen Soldiers

Veterans and Reservists Rally to
2 MIN READ

Veterans and Reservists Rally to End Gaza Conflict

Genre image
2 MIN READ

Norway's Largest Robbery Figure Found Dead in Oslo Forest

EU Expansion: Hungary's Block Delays
3 MIN READ

EU Expansion: Hungary's Block Delays Ukraine and Moldova Membership

New Russian Attacks on Ukraine
2 MIN READ

New Russian Attacks on Ukraine Leave 11 Dead, Over 100 Injured

China Refutes Claims of Supplying
1 MIN READ

China Refutes Claims of Supplying Weapons to Russia

Severe Weather in Italy Claims
2 MIN READ

Severe Weather in Italy Claims Three Lives, Triggers State of Emergency

Trump Warns of Exiting Ukraine
2 MIN READ

Trump Warns of Exiting Ukraine Talks if Progress Stalls

Florida School Shooter Identified as
1 MIN READ

Florida School Shooter Identified as Having Norwegian Background

EU Officials Use Disposable Phones
1 MIN READ

EU Officials Use Disposable Phones for US Trips Over Spy Concerns

Israel's Blockade Leaves Gaza Residents
3 MIN READ

Israel's Blockade Leaves Gaza Residents Facing Severe Hunger Crisis

Israeli Strikes on Gaza Leave
1 MIN READ

Israeli Strikes on Gaza Leave 15 Dead, Including Family in Khan Yunis

US Airstrikes in Yemen Kill
2 MIN READ

US Airstrikes in Yemen Kill 74, Injure 171, Houthi Movement Reports

Trump Plans UK Visit to
1 MIN READ

Trump Plans UK Visit to Meet King Charles This Autumn

Luigi Mangione Faces Federal Murder
1 MIN READ

Luigi Mangione Faces Federal Murder Charges in CEO's Death