Venezuela Blocks Election Observers amid Maduro's 'Bloodbath' Threat

Venezuela's government under Nicolás Maduro has barred election observers, including ex-presidents, sparking concerns as the country gears up for elections. With the ruling party VP Cabello threatening expulsion, notable figures like Colombian senator Lozano and Spanish PP leader Feijoo have been denied entry.

Maduro's warning of a potential 'bloodbath' if he were to lose further heightens tensions. The upcoming presidential election in Venezuela sees incumbent Maduro, a self-proclaimed Marxist, seeking a third term, while polls favor the opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia.

Regierungsgegnerin María Corina Machado's presidential candidacy has been rejected, and Maduro's 2018 election was not recognized by Western nations, leading to sanctions on Venezuela. Blamed for the country's economic crisis and hyperinflation, which drove millions of Venezuelans to flee, Maduro faces increasing international scrutiny amidst the election turmoil.