On Sunday May 20th, Venezuelans will elect their President for the 2019-2025 term. Nicolás Maduro (Frente Amplio de la Patria), current President of the Republic, seeks re-election against three opposition candidates: Henri Falcón (Avanzada Progresista – AD), Javier Bertucci (Esperanza por el Cambio) and Reinaldo Quijada (Partido Política Popular 89). The head of state leads the polls and has high chances of winning. To access the pre-election report prepared by Directorio Legislativo, click here.

The electoral campaign has been marked by discussions on the legitimacy of the election, the state of the economy, criticism to the situation of human rights at an international level and the division of the opposition forces. Many of the countries in the region, such as Argentina, Chile and Colombia, have affirmed that they will not recognize the results of these elections.

If President Nicolás Maduro is re-elected, he will consolidate his power, which will have serious consequences at the institutional and political levels. However, Maduro’s greatest challenges will be to rebuild the relationship between Chavismo and the opposition parties, and the reactivation of a destroyed economy.