In Venezuela, disillusioned former socialists now back the opposition

FILE PHOTO: Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado participate in a presidential election campaign rally in Valencia, Carabobo State, Venezuela July 13, 2024. REUTERS/Gaby Oraa/File Photo

CARACAS/VALENCIA, Venezuela (Reuters) - Sunday's presidential election in Venezuela has attracted a level of voter enthusiasm not seen in at least a decade.

Despite a charged atmosphere marked by arrests of opposition figures and conspiracy accusations, opposition rallies have drawn large crowds - including disillusioned former supporters of President Nicolas Maduro's ruling party.