Venezuelan Opposition Candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Vows Peaceful Transition Amid Turmoil

Edmundo González Urrutia, a 74-year-old retired diplomat, has emerged as a popular candidate to challenge incumbent President Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela's upcoming presidential election. He gained popularity after being backed by Mara Corina Machado, a former presidential candidate. González's appeal lies in his ability to unite the opposition, with the main coalition, PUD, pinning its hopes on him to oust Maduro. Maduro, who is seeking a third six-year term, has been weakened by the opposition's chances of victory, according to reliable polls. The international community, led by Colombian and Brazilian presidents Gustavo Petro and Lula Da Silva, is urging both sides to commit to respecting the election results. Meanwhile, Maduro's predecessor, Hugo Chávez, had a different path in mind for Maduro, encouraging him to join the army, but Maduro instead pursued a career in music.