If Maduro loses, will he cede power? Venezuela's election, explained.

CARACAS, Venezuela — After more than a decade in power, Venezuela’s strongman, President Nicolás Maduro, is facing the greatest threat yet to his authoritarian rule.

On Sunday, Venezuelans will choose a leader in an election that Maduro pledged would be free and fair. The opposition, whose candidate leads in polls by double-digit percentage points, is hoping for a victory so overwhelming that it will compel Maduro to negotiate a peaceful handover — and a transition away from the socialist government founded by Hugo Chávez a quarter-century ago.

The government has disqualified the opposition’s chosen candidate; muzzled, harassed and arrested campaign staff; and barred some international observers from monitoring the vote. Still, crowds have flooded streets across the country to rally around a substitute candidate, Edmundo González.

The opposition is hoping for a victory too big for Maduro to deny. Allies across the region, and officials in the United States, are prepared to help negotiate a peaceful exit. But the strongman is unlikely to give up power willingly.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/if-maduro-loses-will-he-cede-power-venezuela-s-election-explained/ar-BB1qIBPN