Migration crisis in Venezuela: migrants await change after the elections.

The migration crisis facing Venezuela has led millions of citizens to seek new opportunities abroad, with the United States being one of the most desired destinations. Many of these migrants have held onto the hope of a significant change in their country following the presidential elections scheduled for July 28. Abel Jesús Álvarez, a 22-year-old young man currently in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, is one of many who trust that the opposition can bring about a transformation in Venezuelan politics. Álvarez and other migrants have expressed their despair regarding the current government of Nicolás Maduro, who is seeking re-election for a third six-year term. The general sentiment among those who have left their homes is that the regime has failed to address the economic and social challenges that have brought the nation to the brink of collapse. "The government is useless," Álvarez states, reaffirming his desire to return to a country that, in his view, could once again be a viable place to live. The figure of María Corina Machado has gained relevance in the electoral context, even though she is not on the official ballot. Many migrants place their trust in her, despite the political disqualification that has kept her out of the electoral race. For them, her leadership and vision represent a "light at the end of the tunnel" amid the dark political situation in the country. Argenis Alexander Betancourt, a 30-year-old migrant, argues that an opposition victory could pave the way for the economic recovery necessary for many to return to Venezuela. However, the electoral process is marked by tension and uncertainty. From the international community, voices criticizing the process have been heard. Several former leaders and international observers reported being deported or banned from entering the country, raising alarms about the transparency and legitimacy of the elections. The lack of international oversight could cast doubt on the validity of the results and the trust in the democratic process. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, faces elections that could be classified as the most complicated in his more than two decades of Chavista management. As the elections approach, the president has insisted that his victory is synonymous with peace and stability for the country, warning of the potential violent consequences of a change in government. This rhetoric has led many to question what kind of democracy truly exists in Venezuela and whether the people have the ability to decide their future. From Ciudad Juárez, the hope for a new era in Venezuela remains alive among many migrants. With each passing day, their prayers and wishes focus on the election outcome, trusting that a change in administration could be the first step toward improving living conditions in their country. The Venezuelan diaspora is attentive, hoping that the opposition's efforts to ensure fair elections will not be in vain. Meanwhile, families left behind continue to suffer the consequences of the crisis. The scarcity of food, medicine, and basic services has forced an unprecedented number of Venezuelans to leave their homes in search of opportunities abroad. The situation serves as a reminder that decisions made in Caracas affect not only the citizens who remain but also those who have been forced to seek refuge in other nations. The future of Venezuela hangs by a thread, and uncertainty is palpable in the air. The international community watches closely as migrants anxiously await a change that could allow them to return to a country where they can once again feel safe and dignified. Sunday's elections are not just a political event; they are a beacon of hope for millions of Venezuelans yearning for a better future.