Maria Corina Machado, the renowned Venezuelan opposition leader, remains resolute in her determination to run for the presidency in 2024, despite facing a significant obstacle: political disqualification imposed by the government. At 56, Machado, a staunch liberal, emerged as the clear winner in the recent opposition primaries held on Sunday, as indicated by preliminary results with 26% of the votes counted.
The Venezuelan government’s tactic of political disqualification, a longstanding strategy, has not deterred Machado’s ambitions. While her disqualification was reaffirmed until 2030 due to alleged involvement in corruption when she was a legislator, she has vehemently denied these claims. Despite these challenges, Machado’s victory in the opposition primaries has breathed new life into her political aspirations.
The primaries, conducted independently without the participation of the National Electoral Council (CNE), allowed disqualified individuals like Machado to participate, a move deemed “unconstitutional” by the organizers. However, the constitutional requirement stipulates that only a “definitively firm” judicial sentence can prevent someone from aspiring to the presidency.
Amidst these hurdles, Machado’s resilience has inspired both her supporters and fellow opposition leaders. However, the path ahead remains uncertain. As the international community watches, including the recent involvement of the United States in easing sanctions on Venezuela, the political landscape in the country continues to evolve. Machado’s determination serves as a beacon of hope for those advocating change, even in the face of formidable challenges. The world waits to see how this political drama will unfold as Machado navigates the complex realm of Venezuelan politics, holding onto her vision for a better future.