Venezuelans to participate in gubernatorial polls across the country
Today, Venezuelans will vote for regional governors in elections across the country’s 23 states, knowing the Maduro government is unlikely to play fairly. If the opposition wins a majority in what have traditionally been pro-government strongholds, it would be a symbolic blow to the low-polling president’s legitimacy.
Fearing a repeat of the controversial July election that tightened Maduro’s grip on power, opposition parties desperately need a large turnout to win the elections. After months of government crackdowns and attempts to reduce participation by relocating polling booths, the ongoing hunger crisis may motivate citizens to vote.
Despite boycotting July’s elections, opposition leaders, including Juan Manuel Olivares, see no option other than campaigning to prevent a total government victory. However, the Democratic Unity Roundtable’s campaign chief, Gerardo Blyde, says appointed opposition governors would not swear before the pro-Maduro National Constituent Assembly, which could provoke further government repression.
Delve deeper: Venezuela: on the path to authoritarian rule under Maduro
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