US imposes tighter sanctions on Venezuela following opposition ban

The United States has reimposed some sanctions on Venezuela after the country’s top court upheld a 15-year ban on the main opposition candidate, María Corina Machado, from running for public office. The decision by the Supreme Court has raised concerns about the upcoming 2024 presidential elections and the government’s commitment to free and fair elections. The US had previously loosened sanctions on Venezuela in October as part of an agreement with the government to lay the groundwork for democratic elections. However, the rejection of appeals by Machado and another opposition leader, Henrique Capriles, has led to the US tightening sanctions on Venezuela’s mining sector. This move indicates a gradual approach by the US as it seeks to exert pressure on the Maduro government without completely cutting off access to Venezuela’s oil industry. The decision to impose sanctions on the mining sector is seen as a warning and leaves room for additional measures if the ban on Machado is not lifted. The US State Department has expressed deep concerns about the court’s decision and urged the Maduro government to honor its commitments. The opposition, on the other hand, remains determined to participate in the election and has denounced attempts to intimidate them. Despite the ban, Machado maintains that she has a mandate from the primary and will continue to fight for the presidency. The situation in Venezuela is highly volatile, and the outcome of the upcoming elections will greatly impact the country’s future.