As Venezuela navigates through the electoral cycle shaped by Maduro’s regime—with candidate registration this week—the country faces a critical juncture, underscored by severe hardships encountered at the year’s outset. The initial months have been particularly challenging for the majority, grappling with insufficient incomes and deficient public services that impair quality of life. According to the latest Encovi-UCAB 2023 report, 89% of Venezuelan households are experiencing food insecurity, with half unable to generate the resources needed to meet basic nutritional needs, resulting in extreme poverty.

Maduro’s decision to schedule the presidential election for late July effectively sidelines new voters and Venezuelans abroad, significantly hindering comprehensive electoral observation missions. Furthermore, many see choosing dates significant to Hugo Chávez’s death and birth anniversary for the election announcement and election day as improper exploitation of the “eternal commander’s” image. This strategy aims to leverage Chávez’s political legacy to benefit Maduro, resorting to the last symbol of popular connection following nationalist strategy failures, like the Esequibo territory referendum.

The 2024 presidential election transcends mere electoral formality and becomes a pivotal political milestone; observers view it as the last—or indeed final—chance to drive deep transformations in Venezuela. Facing a massive and persistent rejection of socialism, an ideology linked to the country’s significant plundering over the last two decades, conservatively estimated at over 500 million dollars, is firmly opposed by Venezuelan society. This sentiment reflects the determination of people to identify as emphatically anti-Maduro and anti-socialist.

In this landscape, María Corina Machado’s figure emerges with overwhelming force and credibility, far surpassing any other national political figure, including the PSUV candidate. According to a recent Meganálisis poll, the Vente Venezuela leader commands a 69.1% voting intention, with Maduro barely reaching 7.4%. Her leadership is undisputed. This massive support for María Corina and the categorical rejection of any potential substitute candidate reflects the people’s hope in genuine, representative leadership that embodies aspirations for change and progress.

Venezuelans, especially those opposed to the current regime, seek an alternative candidate with clear and solid qualities: trustworthiness, honesty, a decided opposition to socialism, and a firm stance against any electoral fraud. Beyond describing María Corina’s potential replacement, the population’s support for this leader highlights the frustration and disappointment caused by the Unitary Platform and previously by the Democratic Unity Roundtable leaders.

The potential for an unprecedented exodus, driven by Maduro’s usurpation in Miraflores, emphasizes the urgency and severity of “forcibly delaying an orderly transition”. Roughly 7.5 million people—37.7% of the population—consider leaving the country a viable option, increasing the Venezuelan exodus to 15 million. This is a vivid testimony to the despair pervading many societal sectors, which long to live in peace and harmony.

In summary, the 2024 presidential election is far more than an electoral act; it’s a political process to redirect the nation’s course toward a future of prosperity, democracy, and respect for fundamental rights. The Venezuelan people’s cry for significant change, a call Maduro, the Unitary Platform, and the international community must not ignore, marks the moment for Venezuela to rediscover the promise of a better future, led by leaders who embody the genuine aspirations of its people.

Like millions of Venezuelans, María Corina Machado’s struggle powerfully reminds us that, even in the face of the most daunting adversities, hope for a better future and determination to achieve freedom are underground forces uniting the fight against Maduro’s regime. As Venezuela stands at this crossroads, the international community must support democracy and human rights, ensuring the people’s voices are heard and respected.

History is about to be written, and the Venezuelan people hold the pen. Yet, Maduro does everything to prevent this, intensifying violence, lies, and fear. Deciding to close the electoral path and seek to stay in Miraflores is the worst decision for all, as it will not prevent the country’s yearned-for change and will plunge the nation into social conflict.

In contrast, the potential regime change with María Corina promises to revitalize the economy and unite the people toward Venezuela’s recovery and prosperity.

The global community plays a crucial role in this process, supporting democracy and human rights and ensuring the voice of the 2.5 million Venezuelans expressed on October 22, 2023, is recognized and respected. At this decisive moment for Venezuela, collaboration among all local and international actors is essential for restoring stability and progress in the country. Against the most challenging adversities, the change towards a better future is not only possible but essential.

The inevitable change yearned for by the people through the revolution of hope is on the horizon.

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