CARIBBEAN, US EYE VENEZUELA’S POLL

 THE authorities in the United States are keeping close tabs on Saturday’s presidential election in Venezuela.“The Biden administration is particularly concerned that the Maduro government could claim victory without verifiable results,” New York Times newspaper reported on Sunday.The newspaper said Nicolas Maduro’s ruling party “is aware that its political future is pegged to the legitimacy of the vote.”There is also great interest in the Caribbean over the outcome of the much-anticipated poll.Maduro’s brazen attempt to seize Guyana’s territory in the Essequibo region remains a major flashpoint.Monetising the bountiful cross-border Venezuela-Trinidad and Tobago Dragon Gas field is directly tied to the legitimacy of the administration of the South American country.If Maduro loses, there is likely to be a period of transition of power, with discussions on amnesties, guarantees for those leaving office, and setting up truth commissions, according to reports.Maduro is on American charges of drug trafficking and there is a US $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.Several of his high-profile associates are on similar charges.Maduro, the authoritarian incumbent president, is up against Edmundo Gonzalez, who is leading in popular polls.The country remains riddled with high cost of living and rampant crime.There is scepticism about whether Maduro would accept an electoral loss.Earlier this year, the US tightened sanctions against the Maduro regime after popular opposition presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado was debarred from contesting.Maduro had signed a pact in Barbados to carry out democratic reforms and ensure free and fair elections.Venezuela and the US have not had diplomatic relations since 2019.Previous US President Donald Trump had openly backed Juan Guaido as President of the National Assembly.Independent observers say the electoral ballot is designed to confuse voters and give an advantage to Maduro.