"Venezuelans in Colombia vote with hope for change in the 2023 elections."

This Sunday, hundreds of Venezuelans residing in Colombia gathered in Bogotá to exercise their right to vote in their country's presidential elections. Despite the persistent rain, a festive atmosphere and hope for a change in government prevailed among the voters. The participation of the Venezuelan diaspora in the neighboring country reflects the desire of many to return to a free and democratic Venezuela after years of economic and political crisis under Nicolás Maduro's regime. Álvaro Carranque, one of the first to cast his vote, shared his emotional experience with EFE. This Venezuelan, who emigrated to Colombia 14 years ago, arrived at the polling center with his wife and son. With tears in his eyes, Carranque expressed his hope that the results of today’s elections would be a gateway to his return home, highlighting the importance of respecting citizens' rights and ensuring a democratic process. So far, more than 200 Venezuelans have voted in the early hours of the day in Bogotá, according to reports from leaders of Vente Venezuela in the capital. Although the number of registered voters in Colombia is relatively low compared to the total Venezuelan population in the country, every vote counts in this crucial electoral contest. Out of a total of 4,369 registered to vote in Bogotá, the figure reflects the growing participation of the Venezuelan diaspora in the electoral processes of their country. Consulates in several Colombian cities, including Barranquilla, Medellín, and Cúcuta, were destinations for enthusiastic voters. However, it is estimated that only 7,012 Venezuelans are accredited to vote in a country where approximately 2.8 million Venezuelan citizens reside. This discrepancy raises questions about inclusion and access to the electoral process for all Venezuelans abroad. Mariluz Palma, head of the Vente Venezuela campaign in Colombia, emphasized the importance of the elections as an act of reconciliation. “We are facing these elections as an opportunity to build a new Venezuela,” she commented, inviting everyone to participate in the process and contribute to the country’s recovery. So far, no incidents have been reported in Colombia, allowing the day to unfold in an atmosphere of peace and civility. Support for the Venezuelan cause has also resonated in the Colombian political and cultural spheres. Celebrities and political figures have used their platforms to express solidarity with Venezuelan voters. For example, acclaimed singer Carlos Vives sent a message of encouragement, underscoring the significance of this day as a step toward a hopeful future. From the Bogotá mayor's office, Carlos Fernando Galán echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for the people to express themselves and defeat Maduro's regime at the polls. However, not everything has been straightforward in the electoral process. Several Colombian politicians, including former Vice President Marta Lucía Ramírez, reported restrictions in their attempts to observe the elections from Venezuela. Their experience serves as a reminder of the difficulties faced by those seeking to ensure transparency in the electoral process and highlights the importance of international observation. As the elections approach, the competition is tight, with ten candidates in the running, including current President Nicolás Maduro and former ambassador Edmundo González Urrutia, who represents the opposition coalition. Polls indicate that González Urrutia leads in voter intentions, which could mark a turning point in Venezuelan politics if the results expected by the opposition materialize. As the day progresses, the hope of Venezuelans in Colombia remains strong. The rain falling over Bogotá has not deterred voters from expressing their desire for change. With each vote cast, the possibility strengthens that Venezuela may open a new chapter in its history, one where democracy and justice can prevail over oppression. The electoral day, marked by the courage and determination of those who have left their homeland, resonates as a call to action for all Venezuelans, both inside and outside their borders.