Venezuela | Call to cancel the ineligibility of the main opponent

(Caracas) The Venezuelan opposition demanded on Saturday that the Supreme Court, often accused of being at the orders of power, reverse the exclusion from the race of its presidential candidate, Maria Corina Machado, who was ratified as ineligible 15 years old.

“We demand that this decision be annulled because the procedure was violated and the procedure means a trial, not a summary trial, not a wall of execution,” said the head of the opposition delegation in the dialogue with the government, Gerardo Blyde, during a press conference.

“There was a violation of due process and a violation of the right to defense,” continued Mr. Blyde, a professional lawyer, while denouncing the “discretionary” nature of the procedure.

The Supreme Court of Venezuela confirmed on Friday the ineligibility “for 15 years” of Maria Corina Machado, 56, who handily won the Venezuelan opposition primary for the 2024 presidential election.

M^me Machado contested his ineligibility decided for administrative irregularities and treason after having supported American sanctions against the government of Nicolas Maduro.

This appeal to the Supreme Court was obtained thanks to pressure from the United States during the Norwegian-mediated negotiation process.

“We are preparing a written complaint that will be sent to the Norwegians and the countries supporting the process, in which we denounce the violation of the agreement,” added Mr. Blyde, who however clarified that the opposition “ did not leave the negotiating table.

An agreement signed in Barbados in October 2023 opened the possibility for those “aspiring to run” in the 2024 presidential election to challenge their ineligibility.

In return, the United States eased the embargo on Venezuelan oil, gas and gold. After the rejection of Mr.^me Machado, they said they were considering sanctions.

Many observers believe that M^me Machado, a liberal known for her combativeness, may be able to rally behind her an opposition often divided in the past against Nicolas Maduro, who will seek a third presidential term.