On Thursday, the presidential election campaign in Venezuela, set for July 28, began with a red parade involving thousands of people, showcasing a display of strength from the government, during which images of former President Hugo Chavez and current President Nicolas Maduro were raised, alongside strong mobilization from the opposition. With less than a month remaining until the voting date, many doubts persist. The campaign kicks off with the opposition accusing the government of "persecution," while the government continues to accuse the opposition of "conspiracies" and "terrorist acts." Most opinion polls indicate that the opposition leads in voting intentions. Nevertheless, President Nicolas Maduro told his supporters on Thursday near the presidential palace in downtown Caracas, "We will win. But we cannot be satisfied with the glories we have achieved. Get ready for the defeat we will inflict upon them."
Maduro seeks a third term after succeeding Hugo Chavez (1999-2013). In recent weeks, he has intensified his electoral program, traveled across the country, and conducted numerous television appearances. He promises economic recovery following an unprecedented crisis that saw GDP shrink by 80% over ten years. According to the United Nations, seven out of 30 million Venezuelans have left the country.
On Thursday in Caracas, Maduro told thousands of his supporters who took to the streets, "Every punishment has a solution. For every aggression, more revolution! Today, a new era dawns. We will experience prosperity and welfare in Venezuela!" He concluded the campaign rally by dancing on stage with a group of musicians and mimicking boxing with an imaginary opponent.
