The storm clouds have gathered for some time, a grim reality settling over our lives. The signs are undeniable: a tightening grip on information, dwindling resources, and a growing sense of unease. Yet, even in this oppressive darkness, a flicker of hope dares to emerge with the upcoming Venezuelan election.

Let's introduce those first-time readers to our particular situation.

Some background

When Hugo Chávez was elected in 1999, he made constitutional reforms that brought wide political changes in different areas without including important social sectors. In his first presidential period, political power started its closed increment, which has deepened with time, controlling the different constitutional powers like CNE (Center for National Elections) and TSJ (Supreme Court), also using its political coping to break other democratic and opinion expression sources.