Venezuela blocks former presidents

The Venezuelan government has blocked a Copa Airlines flight carrying five former Latin American presidents, including Mireya Moscoso and Vicente Fox, from departing Panama to observe the upcoming elections in Venezuela. The plane was grounded due to a 'blockade of Venezuelan airspace,' as stated by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. The ex-presidents, known critics of President Nicolás Maduro, were ultimately forced to disembark to allow the flight to take off. Venezuelan authorities have denied accusations of blocking the airspace, while international observers express concerns over the electoral process. Maduro is seeking a third term amid allegations of electoral manipulation and has previously restricted foreign observation. The situation has prompted Panama to summon Venezuela's diplomatic representative for explanations.