Edmundo González, the “boring liberal” who could end 25 years of Chavismo in Venezuela

This Sunday, Venezuela will have a crucial election day and President Nicolas Maduro has warned that defeat could plunge the country into a “bloodbath”. However, his son has said that he would accept the result if he loses the election. This is the first time in 25 years that the opposition has a real chance of winning the election. Who Edmundo González, the opposition leader who could oust Maduro,

The name is Edmundo Gonzalez, who is 74 years old “Boring liberals” Due to his career as a diplomat and ambassador in Argentina during the first years of Hugo Chávez’s mandate. González’s unexpected candidacy comes after Disqualification of Maria Corina MachadoWhich was a favorite from the start.

Why did the Supreme Court disqualify Korina?

to know that Corina won the primary To become the opposition candidate, Maduro did nothing to overthrow him, as he had negotiated with the United States that if Venezuela held free elections, Washington would lift some sanctions.

This did not last long, as Chavista authorities began arresting members of the opposition and the Venezuelan Supreme Court. He disqualified Maria Corina for 15 years. The favorite could no longer run and the opposition installed a new leader, a man unknown from public life, Edmundo González.

What chance does Gonzalez have of overthrowing Maduro?

Despite his low profile, González has himself to thank for Unity among main opposition partieswho now support his candidacy. Venezuelans’ frustration with the Maduro administration, the unprecedented economic and social crisis, and the diaspora of over 7 million Venezuelans have opened a window of opportunity for change.

The main challenge for Gonzalez and his team will be to guarantee clean elections in an atmosphere of tension and repression. However, if the opposition wins, Maduro could face serious difficulties in maintaining power Experts warn that Chavismo still has influence Important in parliament and at the local level.