Venezuela’s Maduro bids for a third term in power — as U.S., Brazil warn over need for free election

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro will seek his third term in office on Sunday in a vote that's regarded as the South American country's most open contest in more than a decade.

Analysts believe the presidential election could put Venezuela on a path to substantial change — on the proviso that Maduro is open to relinquishing power, if he is defeated at the ballot box.

Some public opinion polls have indicated a preference for opposition candidate and former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia. The 74-year-old is widely regarded as the only contender capable of denying Maduro a third six-year term.

González was selected by the country's major opposition collation, the Democratic Unitary Platform, following the disqualifications of María Corina Machado and Corina Yoris.

Maduro's United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) has governed Venezuela since 2013, with the former union leader taking power after the death of his mentor Hugo Chavez. His 2018 election victory was widely regarded as an unfair contest, given that many prominent opposition parties were banned from taking part.

Maduro and his political allies have ramped up references to the prospect of post-election violence in recent weeks, sparking alarm within the international community.

"The destiny of Venezuela depends on our victory," Maduro said at a rally earlier this month, according to the Associated Press. "If we want to avoid a bloodbath, or a fratricidal civil war triggered by the fascists, then we must guarantee the biggest electoral victory ever."

The White House on Thursday expressed concern about the threat of violence in Venezuela's presidential election and urged Maduro to commit to a peaceful outcome, regardless of the result.

Asked in a press briefing