Venezuela Opposition Challenges Authoritarian Regime in Crucial Election

Maduro touts 70 public works projects, but many are renovations. Polls open 6am-6pm Sunday, with results expected that night or in following days. US says it will calibrate sanctions based on election outcome.

Venezuela's automated voting system has anti-fraud measures, but the government-controlled electoral authority could still announce fraudulent results. The opposition hopes the paper trail will help verify results, but faces challenges like government checkpoints, irregular voting hours, and the government's ability to create violent situations. Experts differ on their level of optimism, with one suggesting Chavismo may try to preserve its future in next year's elections.

Venezuelans plan to emigrate if Nicolás Maduro is re-elected; 18-22% may leave, citing economic crisis and political instability; some will start preparing to depart, while others will cross the dangerous Darién Gap to reach the US; opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia's campaign has election monitors.