Venezuelans await election

Venezuelans awaited the results of a pivotal presidential election that could end 25 years of socialist rule under President Nicolás Maduro. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, barred from running, supported candidate Edmundo González, who garnered significant backing despite being relatively unknown. Observers raised concerns regarding the fairness of the election, citing potential irregularities and the ruling party's heavy-handed tactics. As voting continued past the official deadline, preliminary exit polls suggested González was leading with a substantial margin. The opposition celebrated what they believed to be a historic turnout, while Maduro warned of potential violence if he lost. The election results are expected to have significant implications not only for Venezuela but also for the broader region, impacting the ongoing migration crisis.