Venezuela's Presidential Election
Venezuela's authoritarian president, Nicolás Maduro, faces a tough electoral challenge from his main opponent, Edmundo González, backed by opposition leader María Corina Machado. Maduro is expected to use tactics to retain power despite low popularity. The upcoming election is closely watched by the U.S. government. Maduro's control of courts barred popular opposition figures from running. The election is marred by electoral fraud, with efforts to suppress votes both inside and outside the country.