CARACAS, Venezuela — People in Venezuela are heading to polling stations on Sunday to elect a new president.

Over 21 million registered voters in the South American country can cast their ballots between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time (1000-2200GMT).

The main contest among the 10 candidates is expected to be between President Nicolas Maduro, who is seeking a third term, and Edmundo Gonzalez, supported by the opposition coalition.

More than 380,000 soldiers and police have been deployed across the country to ensure law and order during the election.

If Gonzalez wins, it would mark the end of the 25-year rule of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela.

For the first time in 10 years, all opposition parties in the nation of 29 million decided not to boycott the election.

Many countries have sent observers to monitor the polling process.

The new six-year presidential term will begin on Jan. 10, 2025. — Agencies