Caracas: Venezuela has surprised many by announcing an earlier-than-expected date for its presidential elections – July 28. This revelation, reported by renowned international media outlets, has stirred considerable interest worldwide.
President Nicolás Maduro, who has been in power for 11 years, is widely anticipated to seek re-election.
His main opponent, María Corina Machado, is facing a ban from holding office due to alleged financial misconduct, which she vehemently denies.
Last year, both the government and opposition in Venezuela agreed to hold elections in 2024 and invited international observers.
The 2018 elections, where Mr. Maduro was declared the winner, were widely criticized for lacking fairness and freedom.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela announced the election date on Tuesday, with CNE head Elvis Amoroso expressing confidence in the upcoming process.
Candidates have until March 25 to register, leaving little time for the opposition to select a potential replacement for Ms. Machado.
Despite the ban, she remains steadfast in her determination to run for office.
In 2023, an agreement between the government and opposition set the groundwork for the 2024 elections to gain recognition from both sides.
Following this agreement, the US eased sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector, originally imposed after the contested 2018 elections.
However, in January, the US threatened to reinstate sanctions after Venezuela’s top court upheld the ban on opposition candidate Ms. Machado.
Venezuela, boasting the world’s largest proven oil reserves, faces significant economic challenges.
Given the crisis, the US has a vested interest in supporting measures to alleviate Venezuela’s plight, as millions of Venezuelans have fled the country, with many seeking refuge in the US.
