Venezuela blocks election observers

Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino announced that a plane carrying former Latin American presidents was barred from leaving due to a blockade of Venezuelan airspace, a move criticized as an attempt to undermine election observation ahead of the July 28 presidential vote in Venezuela. The former leaders, including Vicente Fox and Mireya Moscoso, were set to monitor the elections, which have been marred by allegations of authoritarianism and manipulation by President Nicolás Maduro, seeking a third term. Maduro's regime has previously canceled invitations for other observers, including from Argentina and the EU, raising concerns about electoral transparency. Additionally, Maduro's rhetoric has intensified, warning of potential violence should he lose the election, which has alarmed regional leaders, including Brazil's Lula da Silva. The Venezuelan electoral body has also faced accusations of complicating the accreditation process for opposition observers, suggesting manipulation of the election results. With polls indicating significant support for opposition candidate Edmundo González, the situation remains tense as the election approaches.