In a surprising turn of events, early results from a vote held by opposition parties in Venezuela have shown María Corina Machado in a commanding lead as the chosen unity candidate for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. With just over a quarter of the votes counted, Machado had an impressive 93% support, surpassing the other nine candidates by a significant margin.
This outcome holds significant implications for the Venezuelan political landscape as the opposition, historically fragmented and divided, has made a remarkable effort to come together and rally behind a single contender for the presidency. This primary election, which allowed ordinary citizens to vote, was seen as a pivotal moment for the opposition to close ranks and present a strong challenge to the ruling party.
While the governing PSUV party has not yet announced its candidate, it is widely expected that President Nicolás Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, will be their choice. This sets the stage for a fierce political battle between the united opposition and the government.
One notable aspect of this election is the participation of the opposition parties, despite the challenges they face. In the previous presidential election, many opposition candidates were either imprisoned or barred from running, leading to a widespread boycott. However, the opposition has decided to take part in the 2024 poll, even though they acknowledge the odds are stacked against them.
A lingering concern that looms over this election is the ban imposed on María Corina Machado, preventing her from holding public office. The ban was implemented in June by Elvis Amoroso, the comptroller general and a close ally of President Maduro. Amoroso accused Machado of corruption without providing any substantial evidence. Pressure has been mounting on the Venezuelan government, especially from the United States, to overturn this ban. In fact, the US recently eased some of the sanctions placed on Venezuela’s oil and gas industry after a deal was struck between the government and opposition to have the 2024 election monitored by international observers. The deal included allowing the registration of all candidates who meet the constitutional requirements, but the government has made it clear that the ban on already barred candidates, including Machado, would not be lifted.
The success of Machado in the primary has fortified her position within the opposition. The high voter turnout at the thousands of polling centers set up across Venezuela and in major cities abroad has further bolstered her claim. Many voters expressed a sense of hope and celebration as they cast their votes, recognizing the significance of this moment for the country’s future.
As the primary results unfold, it remains to be seen whether the ban on Machado will be lifted before the election. Additionally, the attention now shifts to the government’s response and the announcement of their candidate. Any further developments in this context will undoubtedly influence the dynamics of the upcoming election.
The unity displayed by the opposition, despite the challenges they face, speaks to their determination to bring about change in Venezuela. With the support of the people and increased international scrutiny, the opposition hopes to challenge the ruling party and pave the way for a transformative future for the country.
