CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Dueling political factions took to the streets of Venezuela's capital on Tuesday for the first competing rallies of the presidential election year, showcasing their ability to draw people en masse, as voters grapple with political disappointments and uncertainty over the candidate who ultimately will challenge President Nicolás Maduro. Political Cartoons View All 253 Images“They talk about elections, but they are terrified of elections,” Machado said, referring to Maduro and his allies. Let them know clearly, no one takes us out of this electoral route.”Maduro and the opposition faction behind the primary agreed last year to hold a presidential election in the second half of 2024. His challenger's participation in the election remains in doubt even though she won the primary with more than 90% of support. “And not only her, any other candidate who has expressed their intention to participate in a presidential election must participate.”____Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

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Persons: Nicolás Maduro, María Corina Machado, Maduro, —, Hugo Chávez —, Machado, ” Machado, Tarek William Saab, Yeickson Ramos, Ramos, “ Will, ”, Maduro’s, Chavistas —, Chávez, Leonard Suarez, Suarez Organizations: American, Authorities, Digital Locations: CARACAS, Venezuela, Caracas, U.S, Guyana, America, Caribbean