Polls have closed in Venezuela's presidential election, where Nicolás Maduro seeks a third term.

Opposition candidate Edmundo González has a significant lead according to opinion polls, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with Maduro's presidency, marked by economic collapse and mass emigration.

The opposition is vigilantly monitoring the vote counting amid fears of electoral fraud by the ruling PSUV party.

Maduro's previous election in 2018 faced allegations of being neither free nor fair.

The opposition's campaign persists despite challenges, including the barring of key candidate María Corina Machado.

The election outcome could have significant repercussions, especially conce ing the country's vast but underutilized oil reserves.



(colombotimes.lk)