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The disqualification of María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and potential challenger to President Nicolás Maduro in next year’s elections, has drawn condemnation from the US government. If Machado wins the opposition’s self-organized primary in October, she will be unable to run in the presidential election due to the 15-year ban imposed on her.
The US state department expressed its concern, stating that the decision to disqualify Machado deprives the Venezuelan people of their basic political rights.
Machado had previously been barred from holding office for 12 months in 2015. However, a letter from the controller general now extends the ban to 15 years, citing corruption allegations against her. The letter also accuses Machado of supporting the parallel presidency of Juan Guaidó and endorsing US-led sanctions on Venezuela’s government and state-oil company Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA).
Machado currently leads in the polls among a dozen candidates vying for the opposition primary victory in October. She remains undeterred by the ban, calling it “rubbish” and reinforcing her determination to continue campaigning.
Previously, the opposition and Maduro’s government engaged in political negotiations facilitated by the US in Mexico. The US had indicated a willingness to ease sanctions in exchange for guarantees of free and fair elections from Maduro’s government. However, no meetings have taken place since November.
Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, but its citizens frequently face scarcity and high prices for basic necessities like food and medicine. Millions of Venezuelans, accounting for nearly a quarter of the population, have fled the country. Although the economy has shown signs of recovery following a severe decline that wiped out a significant portion of the GDP, annual inflation stands at a staggering 429% according to the central bank.
The disqualification of Machado also received criticism from the Organization of American States, which condemned the Venezuelan regime’s use of disqualifications and proscriptions to maintain power and erode democracy. The organization highlighted the worsening political, social, humanitarian, and economic crisis in the country.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Machado expressed concerns over Maduro’s potential manipulation of the election. She emphasized that there are only two outcomes: either winning with a substantial majority or Maduro stealing the election.
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