Elon Musk expressed on his platform X his wish for the people of Venezuela to have "a better future," and called for support for María Corina Machado, the political leader who has managed to gather hope in a country subjected to 25 years of Chavismo.
"It's time for the people of Venezuela to have the opportunity for a better future. Support María Corina!" wrote the South African-born magnate in a message that has generated a lot of uproar.
Musk announced his support just hours before millions of Venezuelans go to the polls in a presidential election in which Maduro, in power since March 2013, seeks to impose a third consecutive term.
The former opposition deputy did not take long to respond to the businessman.
"Dear @ElonMusk, Venezuelans are achieving extraordinary things. We are determined to live with dignity and prosperity and to bring our families back home. Tomorrow brings a new beginning; Venezuela will be free!", he wrote.
Machado, a major winner of the primaries held in October of last year, has not been able to run in the elections as a presidential candidate after being barred by Maduro's government from holding public office for 15 years.
However, his political leadership has been undeniable in recent months, to the point that never before in recent years has the possibility of a political change in the South American nation been so close.
Venezuela to the polls
A total of 21,392,464 Venezuelans over the age of 18 are eligible to vote in the presidential elections this Sunday. However, it is estimated that from that figure, at least 4.5 million eligible Venezuelans are outside the country and will not be able to participate in the elections.
To be able to register in the Electoral Registry, voters abroad had to go to embassies or consulates between March 18 and April 16, but many encountered complications and obstacles when doing so, which they consider an attempt by Nicolás Maduro's regime to take away their vote.
In the end, only about 69,000 will be able to participate abroad due to the new requirements of the Electoral Register.
In Venezuela, the National Electoral Council (CNE) has enabled more than 15,700 voting centers and 30,026 polling stations.
The polling stations will operate from 6:00 a.m. (local time) to 6:00 p.m. and will remain open as long as there are voters in line.
The inauguration of the elected president will take place on January 10, 2025, as established by the Venezuelan Constitution.
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