Concern grows as Venezuela blocks election observers amid Maduro’s ‘bloodbath’ threat
- It is the latest blow to an election where Socialist, Nicolas Maduro, will seek a third six-year term amid accusations of opposition harassment
![Members of the international delegation of electoral observers visit one of the main voting centres in the upcoming presidential election, in Caracas, Venezuela on July 26. Caracas was accused of blocking international observers from arriving for Sunday’s vote. Photo: AFP](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1020x680/public/d8/images/canvas/2024/07/27/2ddcad7a-fadb-4d4b-8add-ceb89862bd63_96df50c2.jpg?itok=6w0JBQvX&v=1722044973)
Concerns grew over the fairness of Venezuela’s presidential elections as Caracas was accused of blocking international observers from arriving for the Sunday vote, including a delegation of ex-presidents.
In the latest blow to an already fraught election run-up, Panama said authorities had prevented a flight carrying former Latin American leaders – all critics of President Nicolas Maduro – from leaving its international airport.
Colombian officials reported being denied entry at Caracas airport, as did Spanish MPs.
Socialist Maduro, 61, will seek re-election on Sunday to a third six-year term amid accusations of opposition harassment by an increasingly authoritarian regime.
His government agreed with the opposition last year to hold free and fair elections in 2024, with international observers present – winning a temporary easing of sanctions from the United States.
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