Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado delivered an emotional message to Venezuelans just hours before the presidential elections that could alter the course of the South American nation, which has been under Chavismo for over two decades. "Dear Venezuelans, the day has come! We have been fighting for 25 years for this moment, and the moment has arrived," Machado wrote on X. She outlined three key requests for the Venezuelan people on this crucial Sunday.
Key Moments for Unity on Election Day
Maria Corina Machado urged citizens to actively participate in the critical electoral event and detailed three pivotal moments to demonstrate unity throughout the day.
First Moment: 5:00 a.m.
The first call is for 5:00 a.m., when Venezuelans are asked to play the national anthem "Gloria al Bravo Pueblo" from their homes and cell phones. "We are going to show the world that we are ready and united, that we are a vast majority and proud to be a country of liberators," Machado explained. She encouraged participants to record this moment and share it on social media to amplify the message of unity.
Second Moment: 1:00 p.m.
The second critical moment will take place at 1:00 p.m., when the leader of Vente Venezuela will host a live event on her social media platforms to maintain communication and coordination among voters. "Your presence in that live event will be a sign that we are once again united," she emphasized, stressing the importance of staying informed through official channels to avoid misinformation.
Third Moment: 6:00 p.m.
The third and final call will occur at the closing of voting centers at 6:00 p.m. Machado urged citizens to remain at the voting centers to ensure transparency in the vote-counting process. She insisted that vote counting is a citizen's right and encouraged the population to oversee the process "paper by paper" to guarantee the integrity of the election results. Machado advised ignoring potential attempts by the Maduro regime to spread messages that could incite fear or confusion among voters.
Key Facts About Venezuela’s Elections
A total of 21,392,464 Venezuelans aged 18 and over are eligible to vote in the presidential elections. However, it is estimated that at least 4.5 million eligible Venezuelan voters are abroad and will be unable to participate in the elections. To register in the Electoral Register, Venezuelan voters abroad needed to visit embassies or consulates between March 18 and April 16. Many encountered difficulties, which they considered an attempt by the Nicolás Maduro regime to disenfranchise them.
Ultimately, only about 69,000 will be able to vote abroad due to the new requirements of the Electoral Register. In Venezuela, the National Electoral Council (CNE) has set up more than 15,700 voting centers and 30,026 electoral tables. These will operate from 6:00 a.m. (local time) to 6:00 p.m. and will remain open as long as there are voters in line. The inauguration of the elected president will take place on January 10, 2025, as established by the Venezuelan Constitution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Venezuela's Presidential Elections
As Venezuela approaches critical presidential elections, many have questions about the process and what it entails. Here are some common questions and answers to help clarify the situation.
How many Venezuelans are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections?
A total of 21,392,464 Venezuelans aged 18 and over are eligible to vote.
Why are some Venezuelans unable to vote in the elections?
Approximately 4.5 million eligible Venezuelan voters are abroad and faced difficulties registering, which many believe was an attempt by the Maduro regime to disenfranchise them.
What are the operating hours of the voting centers in Venezuela?
The voting centers will operate from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time and will remain open as long as there are voters in line.