_{BY: Bruno Falci / Telesur}

This Sunday, Venezuela is holding crucial elections to elect 335 mayors and 2471 council members across the country. This day marks the culmination of a recent electoral cycle in the nation.

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A distinctive aspect of this process is the unprecedented inclusion of youth. Citizens aged between 15 and 35 are actively participating in the selection of projects for 5338 communes nationwide. This is the first time a popular consultation of this magnitude has been implemented with such a direct focus on youth. Young voters choose two projects out of a total of seven pre-selected options in each communal territory, aiming to foster local development. The winning project in each commune will receive $10,000 for its execution.

In this electoral process, 36 political organizations are participating: 13 linked to the government and 23 to the opposition. A total of 21 million eligible voters are empowered to exercise their right to vote. Although voting in Venezuela is not mandatory, participation has been observed as significant, a relevant indicator in a municipal election, which historically tends to have lower turnout.

The day’s proceedings have been reported as peaceful. Citizens have gone to the polls with a notable expression of optimism. The elections are being conducted using electronic voting machines, a system designed to ensure the transparency and confidentiality of voters’ ballots.

This election day seeks not only to elect local authorities but also to promote the implementation of articulated policies at the national, state, and municipal levels. The inclusion of 37,000 youth-driven projects throughout the country, within the framework of a “participatory democracy,” aims to strengthen the role of citizens in building the country’s future.

The country is closely observing the results of these municipal elections, which will define the local political landscape and the management of important resources in communities for the coming years.

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