The CNE (National Electoral Council) has finally set the date for the Presidential Elections in Venezuela: July 28, 2024 . However, this decision has sparked a series of controversies because July 28 coincides with the anniversary of Hugo Chávez’s birth , and presidential elections have historically been held in the last quarter of the year . In addition, the electoral schedule has been criticized for periods contrary to democratic principles, such as the short period for the registration of new voters and the irregularities for changing the address of voters abroad, which according to said schedule are from March 18 to April 16.
In the midst of this context, on March 22, María Corina Machado , in a strategic move to expose the authoritarian nature of the Maduro regime , together with the PUD (Democratic Unitary Platform) , decided to appoint Dr. Corina Yoris as a presidential candidate. Yoris, an academic with an impeccable track record and liberal thinking, had been a member of the National Primary Commission , the body in charge of arranging the election on October 22, 2023 to choose the leader and unitary candidate of the opposition, where Machado was the winner with 93% of the votes.
During the five (5) days that the CNE established for the nomination of candidates (from March 21 to 25, 2024), the nomination of Dr. Yoris was not allowed through the cards of the only two (2) opposition political parties allowed by the Government. However, the so-called “scorpion candidates”, candidates who are known to play in favor of the interests of the regime, were able to register through the rectors of the CNE and not through the web system established by the same electoral entity. Finally, after negotiations within the framework of the Barbados Agreement , the nomination of former ambassador Edmundo González Urrutia was achieved in a space of 12 additional hours granted by the CNE to apply.
González Urrutia’s nomination was made with the objective of “preserving” the PUD card, since in the electoral process law there is a period where candidates can be replaced. This strategy is part of the political game of María Corina together with the aforementioned opposition political alliance to achieve free elections , or at least, elections with minimum democratic conditions.
In the midst of this process, repression has intensified in Venezuela , as leaders of Vente Venezuela , Maria Corina’s party, were arrested and others pursued by the Public Ministry under accusations of destabilization. Two of them have since disappeared: since their kidnapping. This situation has drawn the attention of the international community , including former allies of Chavismo such as Brazilian President Lula da Silva , who has rejected the adverse conditions faced by the opposition reflected in the candidacy of Dr. Corina Yoris . In addition, irregularities have been reported in the vote abroad , with morrocoy operations to slow down the process and consulates that opened late, violating the CNE’s own schedule.
Recent events have put Venezuela back in the international spotlight , highlighting the struggle for democracy in a country where political obstacles and repression continue.
Despite this, María Corina Machado has demonstrated the ability to overcome obstacles, from having competed in the Primary elections on October 22 , to the appointment of Dr. Corina Yoris , as well as raising the hopes of Venezuelans by urging them to organize themselves for the Presidential elections this year . This leaves a situation of great expectation, but without a doubt, it demonstrates a capacity for leadership that has not been seen in 25 years of Chavismo , turning this moment in the country’s history into a unique opportunity to achieve freedom and the reunion of Venezuelan families.
Organizations such as Ladies of Liberty Alliance: LOLA , of which I am proudly a part, recognize and uplift the extraordinary leadership of women embodied by individuals such as Maria Corina Machado . Her tireless dedication and courage have been a beacon of hope for Venezuela in the midst of more than two (2) decades of regime. Through her commitment to democracy , the defense of individual rights and progress , Maria Corina has inspired an entire nation to fight for a more just and prosperous future. Her legacy will live on in the history of Venezuela, serving as a lasting example of strength and determination in the pursuit and realization of a dream: a free Venezuela .