Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado praised the high voter turnout as the country held its presidential election on Sunday (28/7).
“We saw an extraordinary turnout in all the polling stations in the country. I am very proud to be Venezuelan and of our entire generation that on a day like today, overcoming all obstacles, we realize the dream of freedom, redemption and unity for all,” Machado said.
Speaking to journalists outside a polling station in Caracas, Machado said that according to his data, more than nine million people had voted in the election as of 1 p.m. local time.
“If these numbers continue to rise, this could be a record turnout,” Machado said.
Machado, a vocal critic of Nicolas Maduro's government, stressed that the high turnout signified a widespread desire for change and hope for a better future. He urged Venezuelans to continue engaging in the political process.
Machado arrived at the polling station to applause and shouts from his supporters.
Soldiers guarding the polling station prevented national and international media from entering to capture images of Machado casting his vote.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has been a star of the coalition's campaign, despite being barred from holding public office. She has been forced to hand over the baton to candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, 74, a former diplomat known for his calm demeanor.
Gonzalez has won support even from some former supporters of the ruling party. But the opposition and observers question whether the election will be fair. They say the decisions of election authorities and the arrests of opposition staffers are aimed at creating obstacles for them.
Maduro – who was re-elected in a 2018 election deemed fraudulent by the United States, among others – has said Venezuela has the most transparent electoral system in the world and warned of a “bloodbath” if he loses. (ns/time)
