This Sunday, Venezuela faces a critical election, where voters will decide between continuing President Nicolás Maduro's regime or embracing change with the opposition. These elections occur amidst high tension, with recent histories of fraud allegations and political persecution.

Maduro has warned that if the opposition wins, the country could face a "bloodbath" and "civil war." He also claims the opposition plans a blackout to influence the electoral outcome in a country already suffering from a chronic electrical crisis.

The opposition, represented by Edmundo González Urrutia, has denounced continuous sabotage and repression. Prominent opposition figure María Corina Machado has faced attacks, with her team experiencing detentions and vandalism. Machado asserts that Maduro's government resorts to violence due to its spiritual and moral defeat.

The election will decide whether to re-elect Maduro, whose 11-year rule has been marked by economic and social crises, or to give the opposition a chance to reverse the government’s policies. A traditionally divided opposition has united around González, posing a significant challenge to the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

Maduro has historically disqualified rivals, labeling them elitists aligned with foreign powers. However, this time the ruling party has allowed the participation of the Plataforma Unitaria, a coalition of major opposition parties. An agreement allowing opposition participation provided temporary relief from U.S. sanctions, but they were reinstated due to escalating government repression.

Despite being barred from running, María Corina Machado remains a central figure, mobilizing millions with her critiques of government mismanagement and corruption. González, a former ambassador with no previous public office experience, promises economic reforms to bring back millions of emigrated Venezuelans.

More than 21 million Venezuelans are registered to vote, but the exodus of over 8 million people due to prolonged crises is expected to reduce actual voters to around 17 million. Voting is mandatory and done via electronic machines, though restrictions have limited the ability of Venezuelans abroad to vote.

Increased repression prompted the reinstatement of U.S. sanctions. A UN-backed committee reported increased government repression against critics and opponents before the elections.

On Sunday, Venezuelans will decide their country's direction, choosing between the continuity of Maduro or the promise of change by the unified opposition.