Venezuela sidelines any opponents of Maduro as it announces election date
Venezuela announced it would hold presidential elections on July 28 but has banned Pres. Nicolás Maduro's strongest challenger, María Corina Machado and other contenders lack the machinery to run against him.
MEXICO CITY — Venezuela’s presidential election so far is a one-horse race for incumbent President Nicolás Maduro. That’s not for a lack of potential challengers, or because of any great affection from voters. It’s because he’s the only politician with the means for a campaign and a guaranteed spot on the ballot.
Electoral authorities this week announced that the highly anticipated election will take place July 28. Maduro is sure to represent the powerful United Socialist Party of Venezuela. His government has sidelined his strongest challenger, and the remaining contenders lack enough political machinery for a viable campaign.
The announcement reflected the government’s intention to move on from a heated debate over its decision to bar opposition leader María Corina Machado from public office. Candidates must register by late March, giving Machado and other opposition factions less than three weeks to decide next steps.
Machado is the first real political threat Maduro has faced in years.
A former lawmaker, she maintained a somewhat low profile in recent years and rose to the top of the opposition leadership in 2023 thanks to a void left when other leaders went into exile, and careful messaging that softened her reputation as an unyielding politician.
Rating: 5