Why the opposition is unable to register Corina Yoris’ candidacy for elections in Venezuela

The president of Venezuela, Nicolás MaduroThis Monday, he formalizes his candidacy for re-election before the electoral authority, accused of serving Chavismo and mounting a siege to prevent the nomination of the opposition coalition he leads. Maria Corina Machadowho last week appointed the academic Corina Yoris as his replacement but to date his candidacy has not been registered with the National Electoral Council (CNE).

The deadline for registering candidates ends in a few hours. This is what is known about the complex and changing electoral landscape in Venezuela.

Axe: red light

Machado won the primaries of the opposition coalition Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), held last Octoberbut a 15-year political disqualification prevents him from running.

LOOK: Maduro formalizes his candidacy for re-election this Monday and the opposition denounces obstacles to Corina Yoris’ registration

The government accuses her of corruption and advocating a foreign invasion, which she rejects.

He then appointed Corina Yoris, an 80-year-old philosopher and university professor, in his place. who has never worked in public administration and his name appears clean in the database of the CNE.

“Let’s fight this fight together,” said Machado.who will continue to be the face of the campaign. “I will continue traveling throughout Venezuela, bringing strength and hope to every corner of the country.”

But as of Sunday night, the PUD had not been able to register the request for Yoris. Not the party A New Time (UNT), from the governor of the oil state Zulia, Manuel Rosaleswho was a presidential candidate in 2006.

María Corina Machado (left) presents historian Corina Yoris as a candidate for the July 28 presidential elections in Venezuela during a press conference. (EFE/ Rayner Peña R.).

Corina x 2

Social media exploded after the announcement of “The Corinas”. Even the “#CorinaDesafio”, in which users emulate an old post by the teacher on social media with the message: “My best wishes for a 2024 with freedom for Venezuela.”

“Being the delegate candidate, the representative candidate, which are the words she uses, seems like an honor to me and I hope to be able to respond to that trust”, she stated. Yoris to the La Gran Aldea site.

Analysts rule out this academic’s candidacy until now unknown in politics, and talk about looking for a “potent” candidate for Chavismo, less linked to Ax.

“The PUD holds permanent evaluation, discussion and decision meetings”, said leader Delsa Solórzano, without confirming the search for another alternative plan.

Rose bushes? He doesn’t like the candidate’s affinity, but no one rules it out.

The consensus is, however, that any registered name must have the support of Ax. “The true unity of parties is unity with the people; Only then will we defeat Maduro”, concluded the liberal leader.

Access blocked

The first step to nominating a candidate is to enter the application on a CNE website. This is where the obstacle lies for the opposition, which has not yet received the codes to access the page and register the application.

In a letter sent to the electoral body on Sunday, The PUD requested “a three-day extension of the candidate nomination period.” (…) and we can continue with the application that until now was impossible for us.”

The CNE granted extensions in previous processes to encourage greater participation.

If the PUD able to access and register a candidate, the system will issue a report that will be presented to the CNE.

The electoral body’s board of directors authorizes or rejects the candidacy, which can also be challenged by third parties.

Since Thursday, nine candidates have registered who present themselves as opponents, but are labeled as government collaborators. Another 12 organizations in Maduro’s alliance also nominated him.

The final list of candidates will only be available at the end of April.

The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, speaks to his followers during a demonstration commemorating the 20th anniversary of the anti-imperialist declaration by the late former president Hugo Chávez on February 29, 2024. (Photo by Federico PARRA / AFP). (FEDERICO PARRA/)

Ripe: light green

On July 28, Maduro aspires to a third term that will project him to 18 years in power, four more than his predecessor and politician father Hugo Chávez had when he died in 2013.

The government United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) He called on his militants to accompany the president to the National Electoral Council (CNE). He is expected to arrive heavily guarded by anti-riot vehicles positioned outside the headquarters in central Caracas.

Another dozen groups have already formalized their support for Mature.

“There is only one destination here: popular victory (…), whatever they do, whatever they say, they have not and will never be able to defeat us,” said Maduro after being nominated as a candidate for the PSUV last week.

Source: Elcomercio