Venezuela's Presidential Campaign: Rallies Highlight Stark Candidate Differences

Venezuela's government and opposition concluded the presidential campaign with massive rallies in the capital. The events highlighted stark disparities between President Nicolás Maduro, seeking a third term, and the underfunded opposition candidates, Edmundo González Urrutia and Maria Corina Machado. Sunday's election presents a significant challenge for Maduro amidst widespread unpopularity.

Venezuela's government and opposition closed the official presidential campaign season Thursday with demonstrations that drew thousands of people to the streets of the capital.

The events, held three days before the highly anticipated election on Sunday, highlighted the massive disparities between the top contenders, including their resources. President Nicolás Maduro, who seeks a third term, appeared before supporters on a massive stage set up on one of the city's main roads. He rallied the attendees with musical intermissions and dances throughout his speech, branding his opponents as promoters of violence while portraying himself as a man of peace.

'Who of the 10 candidates guarantees peace and stability?' Maduro asked the crowd. Yet, in recent days, he spoke of a possible post-election 'bloodbath.' Meanwhile, opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gathered far fewer supporters. González and Machado moved through the city atop a platform affixed to a truck until they reached a middle-class district of the capital. Their campaign has been hampered by a lack of funding and government repression, affecting their ability to set up proper stages and sound systems.

State television broadcasted Maduro's rally live while ignoring the opposition's event. Sunday's election poses the toughest electoral challenge for the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela in decades. Maduro remains deeply unpopular among many voters, who blame him for the prolonged crisis affecting the country. In a significant move, the main opposition parties have come together to back a single candidate, González, after years of election boycotts and internal divisions.

(With inputs from agencies.)