At a critical juncture, Venezuela’s regime sidelines María Corina Machado despite her strong backing by the opposition Unitary Platform after a two-million-vote primary win. Her registration is blocked.
Machado, via social media, vows to continue the electoral struggle, hinting at an opposition option for the July 28 presidential vote. She aims for quick, inclusive decisions to transform Venezuela.
As the nomination period (21st to 25th) nears, the dilemma of a substitute candidate arises.
Machado suggests two paths for the government: enable a fair election or illegitimately cling to power, which wouldn’t halt a transition due to domestic and global opposition.
She calls for unity against Maduro’s apprehension of defeat.
Manuel Rosales, Zulia’s governor, emerges as a prospective unity candidate, endorsed by ally Luis Emilio Rondón.
Despite previous runs and advocating for sanction removals, Rosales uniquely connects with Maduro.
His center-left party, Un Nuevo Tiempo, is verified for election participation amid recent authority revisions.
Authorities updated the party list this weekend, allowing the Democratic Unity Roundtable to participate, opposing the regime’s “zombie” ticket tactic.
Despite past judicial interventions in 11 of the 34 sanctioned organizations, electoral preparations proceed, overcoming obstacles at home and abroad.
Unitary Platform factions signal a willingness to coalesce behind Machado for electoral victory despite prior tensions.
The discussion is fraught with urgency and divergent interests. Rosales’ integration into Machado’s fold remains doubtful.
With her notable popularity and political capital, Machado faces a daunting environment that is unlikely to yield her leadership lightly.
Anonymous insiders reveal efforts to steer any pact by Machado’s principles, underlining ongoing internal accord efforts.