This Sunday’s vote in Venezuela is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for the country, especially for many young opposition voters who express intentions to emigrate if there is no political change. The anti-government coalition in Venezuela, historically fragmented among various political parties, has now rallied behind a single presidential candidate, Edmundo González. González is seen as posing a significant challenge to incumbent President Maduro, with experts suggesting he could be Maduro’s toughest opponent yet.
International pressure, along with developments in Venezuela’s oil sector, have led to a series of agreements that have set the stage for a competitive election this year. In Maracay, a city in central Venezuela, members of a young opposition group have taken to the streets to mobilize support for González, a move that would have been risky in the past.
The looming possibility of Maduro retaining power has prompted many Venezuelans to consider leaving the country, with thousands already embarking on treacherous journeys through the Darién Gap towards the United States. A poll conducted in June by a Venezuelan firm suggests that up to a third of the population is contemplating emigration post-election.
Both the current government and the opposition are appealing to Venezuelans abroad to return, with Maduro promoting a government-sponsored program that facilitated the return of over 10,000 migrants from other Latin American countries. González has acknowledged the migration crisis as a pressing issue, urging Venezuelans to come back and contribute to the country’s reconstruction.
For opposition leaders like González and María Corina Machado, who have family members living abroad, the issue of separation hits close to home. Despite personal sacrifices, they remain committed to the fight for Venezuela’s future. González, whose daughter and grandchildren reside in Madrid, Spain, emphasizes the importance of finding solutions to the migration dilemma. Machado, campaigning alongside González, shares a similar sentiment, expressing the emotional toll of having her adult children and their families living overseas.
