Venezuelan migrants long for change in elections while seeking a better future.

The situation of Venezuelan migrants seeking to cross into the United States from Mexico reflects the deep crisis facing their home country. In Ciudad Juárez, Abel Jesús Álvarez, a 22-year-old young man, finds himself on the eve of the presidential elections in Venezuela, which will be held this weekend. With a voice filled with hope, Álvarez expresses his longing for change in his nation, trusting that the opposition, led by Edmundo González Urrutia, can bring about the transformation that Venezuelans so desperately need. "God willing, there will be change," says Álvarez, who is among the seven million people who have fled Venezuela in search of better opportunities. The socioeconomic crisis in Venezuela has forced many to make drastic decisions and leave their loved ones behind. Yara Ruiz, a 43-year-old Venezuelan, shares her story of abandonment and pain. She left her two daughters in Venezuela, driven by the lack of employment and food shortages. Like Álvarez, Ruiz hopes that the new government can change the circumstances that have led millions to seek refuge in other countries. "This president has us in ruins," she states despairingly. The figure of the opposition resonates strongly among migrants. Although María Corina Machado will not be able to run due to a political disqualification, her influence persists among those yearning for change. Ruiz, like many others, raises her prayers, hoping that Machado, through González Urrutia, can transform the Venezuelan reality. "I pray to God and I pray a lot, and I hope that lady wins," Ruiz expresses, reflecting the frustration and hope of many who find themselves in similar situations. Argenis Alexander Betancourt, a 30-year-old migrant, also shares this feeling of hope. For him, a potential victory for the opposition would represent a light at the end of the tunnel. Betancourt mentions that if things improve, he would be willing to wait a while for the new government to restore the economy before considering returning home. The promise of a brighter future resonates in his voice as he feels that his life has been interrupted amid uncertainty. The elections in Venezuela, scheduled for this Sunday, are taking place in an atmosphere of tension marked by political violence and restrictions imposed by the government. Maduro, who is seeking re-election for a third term, has faced numerous criticisms for the crisis affecting the country. Despite this, the president asserts that his victory will ensure peace and stability while warning about the possible consequences of a change in government. However, public perception seems to be changing. Many Venezuelans still living in their country have expressed their desire for change, and polls indicate growing support for González Urrutia. The 74-year-old opposition leader has pledged to work towards reconciliation and the reintegration of migrants who were forced to flee. This message has resonated with those like Álvarez, Ruiz, and Betancourt, who long to return to a country that offers them opportunities and safety. The opacity of the electoral process, combined with the repression of critical voices, has led several former leaders and international observers to denounce the lack of transparency in the process. Many of them have been deported or denied entry into the country, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the results that may emerge from these elections. Still, the migrants' faith in real change persists. In the context of this crisis, the stories of these migrants not only highlight their suffering but also their resilience and desire for a better future. The uncertainty surrounding the elections in Venezuela contrasts with the longing of millions who, from abroad, hope that their compatriots make their voices heard at the polls. Like Álvarez and many others, they are willing to return to their country if the necessary conditions are met to rebuild what was once a prosperous home. The hope for change in Venezuela is alive, and the migrant community eagerly awaits Sunday as the potential beginning of a new chapter in the history of their nation.