In Venezuela, opposition leader María Corina Machado has named professor Corina Yoris as her replacement in the upcoming presidential race. Machado faces a ban from running for office and has decided to throw her support behind Yoris, an 80-year-old historian and professor. The announcement came amidst international condemnation of the Maduro administration for alleged pressure tactics against Machado. The United States Department of State issued a statement condemning the arrests of individuals close to Machado, including two members of her campaign, on conspiracy charges. The arrests were seen as an escalation of repression against Venezuela’s opposition parties.
The two individuals arrested, Dignora Hernandez and Henry Alviarez, were part of Machado’s liberal party, Vente Venezuela. They were accused of fomenting violence and destabilizing the country by participating in schemes to attack military installations. Venezuela’s Attorney General described their actions as part of a larger effort to undermine the government. Similar charges were issued for other party members, but Machado and international observers have denounced them as false. The international community, including Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has criticized the arrests as contrary to the democratic spirit that should prevail in an electoral process.
Despite being banned from holding public office for 15 years due to her support of US sanctions, Machado won the opposition primary in October. Over 2.4 million Venezuelans voted in the primary election, where Machado received over 93 percent of the vote. She was considered a favorite to run against President Maduro, who is seeking a third term. The opposition primary took place as part of a deal, known as the Barbados Agreement, to hold a competitive presidential election in 2024. While the US eased sanctions as part of the agreement, some were reimposed after Machado’s ban was upheld by a Venezuelan court.
Even with the ban still in place, Machado was determined to move forward and fulfill the mandate of the almost 3 million Venezuelans who voted in the primary. The opposition faced a deadline to name a candidate for the presidential ballot, prompting Machado to announce Yoris as her replacement. Yoris thanked Machado for her trust and support as she stepped into the role. The situation in Venezuela highlighted not only internal political tensions but also the broader challenges faced by the country, including allegations of government repression and international pressure.
As Venezuela’s political landscape continues to evolve, the actions taken by Machado and her supporters reflect the ongoing struggle for democracy and political change in the country. The use of arrests and false charges against opposition members has raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. International observers have called for the immediate release of political prisoners and for a commitment to upholding democratic principles. Machado’s decision to support Yoris as her replacement underscores the determination of the opposition to overcome obstacles and continue the fight for a more inclusive and transparent political system in Venezuela.
