The elections in Venezuela

Analysis: The dynamics of the world can fundamentally change

The dynamics of Latin America and the world will change if socialist leader Nicolás Maduro is voted out in this weekend's elections. That's what Stefano Pozzebon writes in an analysis in CNN.

Today, Venezuela has close ties to China, Iran and Russia - and the geographical proximity to the United States therefore creates concern for the Americans. Under Maduro's leadership, Venezuela has also become more isolated in Latin America and has left, or been forced to leave, several cooperation organizations.

The opposition's presidential candidate Edmundo González, who in addition to Spanish also speaks French and English, wants to re-establish ties with the outside world, including the United States.

"A victory would be a historic event that swings the geopolitical pendulum," writes Pozzebon.

The whole world should care about the election, thinks AP's Regina Garcia Canou.

"Venezuela's future is at stake," she writes in an analysis.

She highlights that millions of people have already left the country during the economic collapse. In addition, the country has one of the world's largest oil deposits, but widespread corruption has long been a problem.
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The Iron Lady has brought the people to life - towards victory in Venezuela

For the first time in 25 years, Venezuelans believe in real change when the country goes to the polls on Sunday, writes El País. The face of change is Venezuela's most popular politician: María Corina Machado.

In polls, her party leads socialist President Nicolás Maduro by a wide margin. During his eleven-year rule, the country's economy has collapsed.

Not since the days of Hugo Chávez – Maduro's predecessor – has anyone succeeded in mobilizing the electorate in the same way as María Corina Machado. This is written by the Argentinian newspaper Clarín, which reports from the country. In just a few months, the 56-year-old has dispelled apathy and built a powerful political movement. The "Iron Lady" has promised radical changes.

“For our children!” shouted a young woman as Machado's car drove through the town of Guanare.

However, María Corina Machado is not on the ballot, as she has been banned from running. Instead, the party colleague, "a little-known diplomat named Edmundo González", is on the ballot, the newspaper writes.

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Observers are stopped – is Maduro giving up power?

Authorities in Venezuela have stopped a long list of former Latin American presidents from entering the country to act as observers in this weekend's elections. This is stated by the President of Panama, Raul Mulino, according to AFP.

In a post on X, he writes that the plane cannot take off due to a "blockade". However, Venezuela denies the allegations.

Former presidents from Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico and Bolivia sat on the plane. All have been highly critical of socialist President Nicolás Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela for over eleven years and is now seeking re-election for another six years.

The opposition leads in the polls and Maduro has promised to relinquish power if he loses. But he usually relies on a "faithful state apparatus", notes AFP, and Al Jazeera notes that Maduro has an ability to cling to power.