Venezuela opposition sees military ensuring respect for vote results

Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez greets supporters during a campaign rally for the presidential election in Valencia, Carabobo State, Venezuela, July 13, 2024. /Gaby Oraa/File Photo

CARACAS - Venezuela opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez trusts the country's military will ensure respect for presidential election results this Sunday, he said during a press conference on Thursday.

Gonzalez, who appeared alongside opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, has attracted significant support, even from former supporters of the ruling party.

But the opposition and some observers have questioned whether the vote will be fair, saying decisions by electoral authorities and the arrests of some opposition campaign staff are meant to create obstacles.

Machado - who was banned from running in the election - urged voters to go to polling stations early and stay all day after casting their vote.

She also asked those with motorcycles and cars to help transport other voters whose polling stations have been moved further from their homes.