International tension rises in Venezuela just days before critical elections for Maduro.

Just two days before the elections in Venezuela, international tension is escalating with the banning of a flight carrying electoral observers and the deportation of other monitors, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and concern in the region. Nicolás Maduro, who is seeking a third term, faces both internal and external criticism, and the situation has become a focal point in the debate over the legitimacy of the ongoing electoral process. Panama's president, José Raúl Mulino, reported that Venezuelan authorities prevented a Copa Airlines flight from taking off that was transporting former Latin American leaders. Among the passengers were prominent figures such as Mireya Moscoso from Panama, Miguel Ángel Rodríguez from Costa Rica, Jorge Quiroga from Bolivia, and Vicente Fox from Mexico. These leaders, members of the IDEA Group, are known for their criticisms of Maduro's regime and their interest in observing the electoral process, which has led to an angry reaction from Caracas. In a press conference, Moscoso shared the anguish of the Venezuelan passengers on the flight, stating that many of them were crying and pleading for the former leaders to be allowed into the country. For his part, Vicente Fox described the Venezuelan government's action as a "bad sign," emphasizing the regime's lack of openness to the international community. This incident not only reflects the tension between the Venezuelan government and international observers but also raises serious doubts about the transparency of the elections. The Chilean government also took action, issuing a note of protest following the deportation of conservative senators who attempted to enter Venezuela as observers. Senator Felipe Kast denounced the situation, asserting that the denial of entry calls into question the government's claims about the country's democratic nature. This reaction adds to the concerns expressed by other regional leaders, who have criticized the political repression in Venezuela. The electoral climate is further strained by Maduro's warnings of a possible "bloodbath" if the opposition, led by Edmundo González Urrutia, wins. This statement has raised concerns among presidents like Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Gabriel Boric, who have urged calm and respect for the democratic process. Similarly, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has made an urgent call to end the harassment and persecution of the opposition. In a context where elections should be monitored by independent observers, the situation of the deported monitors and the ban on others reinforces the perception that conditions for a fair and transparent electoral process are not guaranteed. From the opposition, there have been reports of arrests of activists and supporters of González Urrutia, generating an atmosphere of fear and distrust among voters. The National Electoral Council, led by Elvis Amoroso, announced that the setup of polling stations is underway, but allegations of delays from opposition activists are causing further anxiety. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López has insisted that the armed forces will not be arbiters of the process, even as opponents call for absolute respect for the electoral results. The call to the international community is clear: monitoring the development of the elections is more crucial than ever. Supportive words from other regional leaders for the democratic cause in Venezuela indicate that the international community is closely following the situation. The future of the South American nation hangs in the balance, and the voters' response could be a turning point. Polls suggest that González Urrutia has popular support, but the Chavista regime has dismissed these results and accused the opposition of planning to disregard the outcomes and incite violence. This atmosphere of distrust and polarization raises serious questions about where Venezuela is headed after these elections. With the world's eyes on Venezuela, the outcome of these elections could have repercussions not only for the country but for the entire region. The international community must be prepared to respond to events unfolding in the coming days, while Venezuelans await with both hope and fear the results of an electoral process that many consider crucial for the future of their nation.