In a remarkable display of grassroots support, María Corina Machado, the newest leader of Venezuela's opposition, has ignited a powerful social movement capable of rallying thousands to the streets and potentially millions to the ballot box. Stripped of her bodyguard by the government and traversing the streets unprotected, Machado has emerged as a formidable force that strikes fear into the hearts of the ruling party. As her popularity continues to soar, Venezuela's upcoming presidential election on Sunday could mark the beginning of a significant shift in the country's political landscape.

Under the government of President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela has witnessed an extraordinary economic contraction, with economists suggesting it to be the largest outside of war in at least half a century. The dire economic situation has left millions of people unable to afford enough food and critical medications. This has fueled a sense of weariness and frustration among the Venezuelan population, which Machado has successfully tapped into.

While Machado herself is not running for president, she serves as the driving force behind the main opposition candidate, Edmundo González, a relatively unknown diplomat. Her ability to unite Venezuela's fractious opposition behind González while captivating a broad swath of the electorate has earned her recognition as the country's most significant opposition leader since the late Hugo Chávez, the founder of Venezuela's socialist project.

While Chávez's movement was centered around an ideological proposal for socialism, Machado's movement revolves around the people's weariness with "Madurismo." This key difference has allowed Machado to garner support from former critics, who acknowledge the magnitude of her movement and its potential for sweeping government change.

Machado's popularity, coupled with the dire economic situation, has prompted large numbers of Venezuelans to consider fleeing the country if Maduro retains power. The looming northward movement, potentially beginning weeks before the U.S. presidential election, underscores the urgency and desperation felt by many citizens in Venezuela.

Despite facing numerous challenges and arrests targeting her campaign members, Machado remains undeterred. Her recent visit to Guanare, where supporters clamored to get close to her, demonstrated the fervor and hope she has instilled in her followers. In a passionate speech, delivered barely audibly through a megaphone, she pledged to revive the economy and bring back Venezuelan children who had migrated.

The culmination of Machado's efforts will be tested in Venezuela's presidential election on Sunday, with the potential to put an end to 25 years of socialist rule. The ruling party, led by Maduro, has often manipulated elections to their advantage, banning popular competitors or fabricating results. However, a surprising turn of events allowed Machado's coalition to nominate a different candidate, Edmundo González, who has become the opposition's consensus choice.

While Machado and González declined to disclose the specific role she would have in a González administration, their joint conviction that victory is within reach has further fueled the enthusiasm surrounding their movement.

As Venezuelans prepare to cast their ballots, all eyes are on María Corina Machado, the driving force behind the opposition movement capable of challenging the ruling party and potentially reshaping the country's political landscape. The outcome of Sunday's election could mark a turning point in Venezuela's history, offering a glimmer of hope for a population yearning for change and a brighter future.