Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is reportedly facing growing pressure from her allies to select a substitute candidate who could potentially stand in her place in the upcoming July presidential election, according to five sources familiar with the situation.
Despite winning the opposition’s nominating contest decisively last October, Machado, a 56-year-old industrial engineer, remains barred from candidacy due to a ruling upheld by Venezuela’s highest court. The ban was imposed over her backing of U.S. sanctions, among other reasons.
Machado has been adamant in her refusal to consider a substitute, asserting that the ban imposed by President Nicolas Maduro’s government is a maneuver to shield himself from a credible opposition contender. However, the window for making a decision is narrowing, with candidates required to formalize their registration between March 21 and March 25, and the option for substitutes available until April 20. The presidential election is scheduled for July 28.
While expressing support for Machado’s candidacy, leaders of opposition parties have reportedly urged her to outline a strategy and select an alternative candidate. Pressure has mounted on Machado not to delay the decision-making process, as indicated by one of the sources.
Machado did not respond to requests for comment, though a representative for her party mentioned that they are considering various scenarios without elaborating further.
In a statement made in the central state of Carabobo on Wednesday, Machado suggested that Maduro should carefully consider his stance regarding her candidacy. Meanwhile, the United States has emphasized the need for Maduro’s government to lift the ban on Machado, with State Department official Brian Nichols indicating that Washington will defer to the decisions made by the Venezuelan opposition.
The looming deadline for Machado’s candidacy has implications for U.S. oil sanctions, with an expiry set for mid-April if Machado is unable to participate. Prior to the primary in October, there were discussions among several candidates regarding a substitution plan, though no consensus was reached. Additionally, any substitute candidate could also face similar legal hurdles.
