Venezuelan opposition leader urges Colombians to vote responsibly in presidential runoff

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado called on Colombians to vote with "the responsibility that comes with living in democracy" during the country's presidential runoff election. Her message, shared on social media, underscored the significance of the ballot as a fundamental tool for preserving freedom.

Machado warned that many nations realize too late the value of freely choosing their leaders, often after that right has been taken away. She cautioned that regaining such a right can involve long struggles, even the loss of life. "Many peoples discover too late the value of being able to freely choose their leaders, when that right is taken from them," she stated.

"Vote today with full awareness of the opportunity you have and the responsibility that comes with living in democracy. Do so also with joy, hope, and conviction. Long live a free Venezuela and Colombia!" Machado urged.

Colombia was holding its presidential runoff election to choose a successor to President Gustavo Petro. The election was contested between two candidates, following a highly competitive first round. Electoral authorities had prepared for over 41 million voters across the country.