Venezuelan Opposition Leaders Face Crackdown Ahead of Presidential Election

The upcoming presidential elections in Venezuela are set to take place on July 28, with millions of citizens expected to cast their ballots. The vote pits authoritarian incumbent President Nicolás Maduro against opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, who is reportedly leading in reliable polls. Experts warn that the outcome may be contested, given the country's history of electoral disputes. The opposition sees this election as a chance for change after 25 years of Chavismo, with many considering their victory almost certain. However, Maduro and his allies have been accused of stepping up repression against opponents, resulting in 71 arbitrary arrests among supporters and members of opposition parties over the past 10 days.