Venezuela’s government and opposition have closed the official presidential election campaign period with demonstrations of support that drew thousands of people onto the streets of the capital Caracas.
President Nicolas Maduro, who is seeking a third term, appeared on Thursday before supporters on a huge stage set up on one of the city’s main roads and rallied attendees with musical intermissions and dancing that peppered his speech.
Maduro told the crowd, some of which were transported to Caracas on state-owned buses, that his opponents were promoters of violence and described himself as a man who could ensure peace.
“Who of the 10 candidates guarantees peace and stability?” Maduro asked the crowd.
Maduro warned last week of a “bloodbath” if he were to lose, comments that drew criticism from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Brazil’s electoral court and former Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez both said on Wednesday they had withdrawn from acting as election observers on Sunday.
Supporters of Maduro say he has successfully continued his predecessor Hugo Chavez’s legacy, and he remains a champion for the poor.
“It’s good for us if he [Maduro] wins,” said public servant Luisa Medina, 51. “It’s the only government which has thought about us, the poor,” Medina said.
Maduro is being challenged by former diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia – who represents the resurgent opposition – and eight other candidates.
Urrutia and opposition party leader Maria Corina Machado – gathered far fewer supporters for their final rally on Thursday – moving through the city standing atop a platform affixed to a truck until they reached a middle-class district of the Caracas.
Gonzalez said he trusts the country’s military will ensure respect for the result of the vote on Sunday.
