Delsa Solórzano Mobilizes Over 100 Volunteers in Maracay to Defend Votes

As Venezuela approaches its presidential election on July 28, the political climate is intensifying. Delsa Solórzano, a prominent opposition leader, has sworn in over 100 volunteer citizens in Maracay to defend votes. This action aims to support María Corina Machado's movement against President Nicolás Maduro's government.

Machado's movement presents a significant challenge to Maduro, whose government has faced accusations of corruption, mismanagement, and human rights abuses. The upcoming election is seen as a critical juncture for the country, with many Venezuelans desperate for change.

The volunteers in Maracay are tasked with ensuring a fair election process, a mission underscored by Machado's call for vigilance. "So let them prepare, because in each voting table, Venezuelan citizens will be there," she declared, emphasizing the importance of citizen involvement in safeguarding the democratic process.

Why this matters: The outcome of this election could have significant implications for Venezuela's future, potentially leading to changes in the country's government and policies. If Maduro's government is able to manipulate the election process, it could lead to further instability and human rights abuses in the country.

The National Electoral Council (CNE), aligned with Maduro's government, has announced the exclusion of European Union observers from the election process. This decision has raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the elections. The EU had previously imposed sanctions on several Chavista officials, though these were temporarily suspended against CNE President Elvis Amoroso, who dismissed the sanctions as *"blackmail."*

Maduro's government has also been criticized for its handling of the migration crisis. Millions of Venezuelans have left the country in search of better living conditions. Recently, Maduro has shifted his stance on immigration, now urging Venezuelan migrants to return, promising job opportunities and a better quality of life. "To Venezuelan migrants: We love you, and our love makes us say, Come back. We are waiting for you here, this is your land... Enough of xenophobia and persecution," he stated on state television.

Despite these promises, many Venezuelans remain unconvinced. A nationwide poll by Delphos indicates that roughly a fourth of the population is considering migration, primarily for economic reasons. Arnaldo Benitez, an 18-year-old planning to move to Colombia, expressed his concerns: *"I love Venezuela, I would like to pursue a medical career here, but one must think about the future... I want my family to have a decent life and not be thinking, I can't afford this or that. So I have to plan for a better future, which regrettably means leaving Venezuela.

The stakes are high with election day approaching. Solórzano's efforts in Maracay reflect a broader determination within the opposition to ensure that every vote is counted and that the election process is free from manipulation. With Maduro seeking a third term, the outcome of this election could significantly impact Venezuela's future.

Key Takeaways

• Venezuela's presidential election is on July 28, with opposition leader María Corina Machado challenging President Nicolás Maduro.
• Machado's movement aims to ensure a fair election process, amid concerns of government corruption and human rights abuses.
• The National Electoral Council has excluded EU observers, raising concerns about election transparency and fairness.
• Maduro's government has been criticized for its handling of the migration crisis, with millions of Venezuelans seeking better living conditions abroad.
• The election outcome could significantly impact Venezuela's future, with many Venezuelans desperate for change and a better quality of life.