Maria Corina Machado, a prominent opposition candidate in Venezuela, has been disqualified from holding public office for 15 years. The decision was made by Elvis Amoroso, the country’s controller general. The disqualification was based on Machado’s support for sanctions against the Maduro government and her backing of former opposition leader Juan Guaido. The controller general cited these actions as violations of the law.
Machado is a 55-year-old industrial engineer and former lawmaker. He is currently leading the opposition’s primary election polls. The primary will take place in October. Its goal is to select a unified candidate. The candidate will challenge Maduro in the 2024 presidential election.
The decision to bar Machado from holding office is seen as a setback for the opposition. It may impact their chances of defeating Maduro in the upcoming election. Machado is popular among Venezuelans.
The Maduro government has a history of using legal and extralegal methods to suppress and intimidate its opponents. Machado is now among the many opposition figures targeted by the government. It is unclear if Machado can challenge the decision that prevents her from holding office.
