Elon Musk expressed his hope for a "better future" for the people of Venezuela on his platform X, urging support for María Corina Machado, a political leader who has inspired hope in a country under 25 years of chavismo. "It's time for the people of Venezuela to have the chance for a better future. Support María Corina!" the South African-born magnate wrote, causing a stir.
Musk's endorsement came just hours before millions of Venezuelans head to the polls in a presidential election where Nicolás Maduro, in power since March 2013, seeks a third consecutive term. He faces opposition candidate Edmundo González from the Democratic Unity Platform (PUD). The former opposition deputy quickly responded to Musk.
"Dear @ElonMusk, Venezuelans are achieving extraordinary things. We are determined to live with dignity and prosperity and to bring our families back home. Tomorrow brings a new beginning; Venezuela will be free!" she wrote.
Maduro aims to solidify his power with a third term, despite many polls favoring the opposition, which had to nominate former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia after María Corina Machado, the primary winner, was disqualified by Maduro's government for 15 years from holding public office.
A total of 21,392,464 Venezuelans over 18 are eligible to vote in the presidential elections. However, an estimated 4.5 million eligible voters abroad will not participate. To register in the Electoral Register, overseas voters had to visit embassies or consulates between March 18 and April 16, but many faced difficulties, seen as an attempt by Maduro's regime to disenfranchise them.
Ultimately, only about 69,000 overseas voters will participate due to the new Electoral Register requirements. In Venezuela, the National Electoral Council (CNE) has set up over 15,700 voting centers and 30,026 polling stations. The polling stations will operate from 6:00 a.m. (local time) until 6:00 p.m. and remain open as long as there are voters in line. The inauguration of the elected president will take place on January 10, 2025, as stipulated by the Venezuelan Constitution.
Key Questions About Venezuela's Elections
In light of the upcoming elections in Venezuela and the international attention they have garnered, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What did Elon Musk say about the Venezuelan elections?
Elon Musk expressed his hope for a better future for the people of Venezuela and urged support for opposition leader María Corina Machado.
Who are the main candidates in the Venezuelan presidential elections?
The main candidates are Nicolás Maduro, seeking a third term, and Edmundo González from the Democratic Unity Platform (PUD).
How many Venezuelans are eligible to vote in this election?
A total of 21,392,464 Venezuelans over 18 years old are eligible to vote, though many overseas voters will not be able to participate.
When will the inauguration of the elected president take place?
The inauguration of the elected president is scheduled for January 10, 2025, according to the Venezuelan Constitution.