Maria Corina Machado, the leader of the Venezuelan opposition, has selected a substitute to run against President Nicolás Maduro in the upcoming presidential election in July. This decision was made following the detention of two of Machado’s closest advisors.
Corina Yoris, age 80, has been chosen as the opposition’s candidate following the announcement by Venezuela’s attorney general of the detention of two of Machado’s top allies and the issuance of arrest warrants for seven others, including Magalli Meda who was rumored to replace Machado.
Machado’s decision essentially signals her withdrawal from the election on 28 July due to being prohibited from holding public office. This verdict was affirmed by Venezuela’s top court, despite her receiving an overwhelming 93% support in an opposition primary last October.
There was a worldwide outcry over the detentions of Machado’s associates, namely Henry Alviarez and Dignora Hernández.
On Friday, Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US state department, stated that the action taken by Maduro and his team to arrest two members of the top opposition candidate’s campaign and issue warrants for seven others is a concerning increase in oppressive tactics.
Source: theguardian.com
