Venezuelan Opposition Denied Registration For Presidential Candidate

Ruling party PSUV leader Diosdado Cabello shows the certificate that registers President Nicolas Maduro's candidacy for reelection at the National Election Commission (CNE) in Caracas, Venezuela, Mond

In a recent development in Venezuela, the main opposition coalition has expressed frustration over the electoral authorities' refusal to allow the registration of their presidential candidate before the deadline. The coalition, known as the Unitary Platform, stated that the inability to register their candidate, Corina Yoris, represents a violation of the citizens' right to vote for change in the country.

Yoris, an 80-year-old newcomer, was named as the substitute for opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has been banned by the government from running for office. Despite efforts to register Yoris before the midnight deadline on Monday, the opposition coalition was unsuccessful in their attempts.

Meanwhile, President Nicolás Maduro officially declared his candidacy for a third term, garnering support from thousands of his followers. However, polls indicate that Maduro remains deeply unpopular and would face a significant defeat if Venezuelan voters were given the opportunity to express their preferences.

The opposition coalition has accused Maduro of blocking his chief opponents from running for office while failing to uphold electoral guarantees promised to the U.S. government in exchange for relief from oil sanctions. Yoris expressed disappointment at the obstacles faced in registering her candidacy, emphasizing that it is not just her name but the rights of all citizens to participate in the electoral process that are being denied.

Corina Yoris named as substitute for banned opposition leader María Corina Machado.

Opposition coalition frustrated over electoral authorities' refusal to register candidate.

President Maduro declares candidacy for third term amid opposition accusations.

Maduro criticized by opposition for blocking opponents and failing electoral guarantees.

10 candidates registered for upcoming elections, none from main opposition coalition.

Yoris emphasizes denial of citizens' rights to participate in electoral process.

As of now, 10 candidates have registered to compete in the upcoming elections scheduled for July 28, none of whom are affiliated with the main opposition coalition. Maduro, in his candidacy announcement, criticized his potential rival as a 'puppet' of traditional elites, signaling a contentious electoral campaign ahead.

The situation in Venezuela continues to evolve as political tensions rise and the electoral landscape remains fraught with challenges. The outcome of the upcoming elections will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future direction of the country and its governance.

For more updates on Latin America, visit AP’s Latin America coverage.