In the lead up to Venezuela's presidential election, the prevalence of checkpoints across the country has become increasingly noticeable. These checkpoints, primarily manned by young men and women in faded green fatigues, have been set up in various regions including the vast tropical plains, forested highlands, and beachfronts.

Often situated near gas stations that have fallen into disrepair, these checkpoints function as a means to intimidate and occasionally detain government critics returning from rallies against President Nicolás Maduro. At these checkpoints, passengers of vehicles are asked for their identifications, and their cars, trucks, and motorcycles are subjected to inspections.

However, despite the intended purpose of these checkpoints, their effectiveness seems to be waning. As their superiors seek refuge from the scorching sun, the young soldiers begin to reveal their discontent with Maduro's regime and their receptiveness to the possibility of a new commander-in-chief.

These checkpoints have become hotspots for potential bribes, with the soldiers sometimes requesting rides, bananas, or "collaboration" - a euphemism for a small bribe in Venezuela. Nonetheless, many of these demands are met with resistance, as citizens express their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.

As Venezuela approaches Sunday's presidential election, the growing presence of these checkpoints serves as a reminder of the tense political climate in the country. With opposition to Maduro gaining momentum, these checkpoints could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the election.

It remains to be seen whether these checkpoints will successfully deter government critics or if they will inadvertently provide a platform for citizens to voice their opposition. However, one thing is clear - as the checkpoints continue to multiply, the message they convey becomes increasingly ambiguous, leaving room for change and new possibilities in Venezuela's political future.