Venezuela’s highest court has made a ruling that has significant implications for the upcoming presidential elections. The decision effectively bars a top opposition leader, María Corina Machado, from running for president for the next 15 years. This move has been widely seen as an attempt by the Venezuelan government to eliminate any credible opposition to President Nicolás Maduro.
Despite winning an opposition primary election in October, in which over 2.4 million Venezuelans voted, Ms. Machado has been excluded from participating in the upcoming presidential elections due to alleged financial irregularities during her time as a national legislator.
In response to the court’s decision, Ms. Machado took to social media to denounce the move as a ploy by the Maduro government to manipulate the electoral process. She remains committed to fighting for free and fair elections in Venezuela.
The Biden administration has been working to encourage Venezuela to hold credible elections by easing some of the sanctions imposed on the country. However, the recent court ruling has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles.
The U.S. has expressed deep concern over the arrest and detention of opposition members, journalists, and former military personnel in Venezuela. The State Department has called the Supreme Court’s decision inconsistent with the Maduro government’s pledge to hold competitive presidential elections.
The situation in Venezuela continues to be closely monitored as the country grapples with political tensions and questions about the legitimacy of the upcoming elections.
2024-01-27 11:08:44
Article from www.nytimes.com