President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro rises his hand during a mass gathering convene by supporters on July 18, 2024 in Caracas, Venezuela. The 74-year-old is widely regarded as the only contender capable of denying Maduro a third six-year term. Maduro's United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) has governed Venezuela since 2013, with the former union leader taking power after the death of his mentor Hugo Chavez. His 2018 election victory was widely regarded as an unfair contest, given that many prominent opposition parties were banned from taking part. "The destiny of Venezuela depends on our victory," Maduro said at a rally earlier this month, according to the Associated Press.

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Persons: Venezuela Nicolas Maduro, Nicolas Maduro, Edmundo González Urrutia, Maduro, González, María Corina Machado, Corina, Maduro's, Hugo Chavez Organizations: Democratic, Maduro's United Socialist Party of Venezuela, Associated Press Locations: Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuelan