VENEZUELANS’ VIEW OF THE JULY ELECTIONS: A LOOK AT PUBLIC OPINION - Following the Maduro government’s unconstitutional ban preventing presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado from running, the opposition coalition is evaluating its options ahead of July 28 presidential elections. While the vote will be neither free nor fair, the opposition continues to see a critical opportunity in the coming months as the election approaches—either for mass mobilization or for electoral participation against the odds.

The path forward is narrow, and the opportunity is slim. But the polling data is clear: Venezuelans of all stripes are eager for a political opening, and for the restoration of their country’s democratic institutions. Even still, many questions remain. How do Venezuelans feel about the ban on Machado, as well as the ban on her substitute, Corina Yoris? What are their views on electoral participation, or on mobilization, in the weeks and months to come? How do Venezuelans see the role of the United States and international community at a crucial moment for the country’s political future?

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 4/2/2024