Venezuela’s opposition has named a new candidate to challenge President Nicolas Maduro in the upcoming election, signaling a renewed push for democracy in the country. The decision to replace the previous candidate, María Corina Machado, who was barred from running, has raised hopes for a fair and free election. The opposition parties’ announcement of Corina Yoris as the new candidate has been seen as a surprising display of unity and a strong strategy. This move has been praised as a significant step towards democracy by analysts and human rights organizations.
In a previous agreement, President Maduro committed to holding a free and fair election, and the United States lifted some economic sanctions as a sign of goodwill. However, the opposition’s primary election, which saw Machado winning by a large margin, was later declared ineligible by the country’s top court, leading to her arrest and attacks on her supporters. The announcement of Corina Yoris as the new candidate comes just days before the registration deadline, and it is seen as a decision made in unity and confidence by the opposition.
The fact that the head of another rival opposition party, Omar Barboza, opened the conference was a further show of unity, Ms. Dib said.
“We are heading toward a transition path in Venezuela,” Ms. Yoris said. “We are all necessary at this moment.”
Julie Turkewitz contributed reporting from Santander, Colombia.
2024-03-23 20:47:16
Source from www.nytimes.com