Three things to know ahead of the Venezuela presidential election

Venezuelans are getting ready to participate in what stands to be the most consequential presidential election the South American nation has seen in more than a decade.

Venezuelans are getting ready to participate in what stands to be the most consequential presidential election the South American nation has seen in more than a decade.

On Sunday, voters have a chance to elect a new leader who could put an end to the long-standing Chavista regime, a socialist-inspired political movement turned authoritarian that began nearly three decades ago with the election of Hugo Chávez and continued under the leadership of his protégé Nicolás Maduro.

Maduro, who’s seeking a third term in office, has threatened a “bloodbath” if he’s not elected, prompting the U.S. to warn Maduro of the need to hold fair elections without any intimidation or repression.

Maduro is running against 10 presidential candidates. Of all the candidates, Edmundo González is seen as the most likely to beat Maduro.

González, a former diplomat, was a largely unknown figure to Venezuelans until he officially entered the presidential race in May to replace opposition leader María Corina Machado. She was barred by the Maduro regime from running for president over fraud and corruption allegations that many perceived as an attempt to obstruct legitimate elections.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/venezuela-presidential-election-maduro-what-know-rcna163775

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