Venezuela announces opposition favorite to be barred from running for

Venezuela announces opposition favorite to be barred from running for president for 15 years

Former Congresswoman María Corina Machado, one of the favorites in the opposition primaries for the 2024 presidential election in Venezuela| Photo: EFE/Miguel Gutierrez

Venezuela’s Comptroller General confirmed that former MP María Corina Machado, one of the opposition primaries’ favorites for the 2024 presidential election, has been barred from running for elected office for 15 years. The information was released this Friday (30) by the national deputy José Brito.

According to Agência EFE, in a document released by the congressman’s press office, the controller said that Machado’s disability from participating in elections came after a property investigation that pointed to acts against “public ethics, administrative morality, the rule of law, and the peace and sovereignty” of Venezuela.

In addition to alleged errors and omissions in the statement of assets, “it was found that funds under management were justifiable, representing a percentage close to 50% of the funds under management during the period examined, consisting of deposits and credits of unknown origin.” Originating in national banks […] and foreign currency transactions and credits of unknown origin,” added the controller.

The Chavista dictatorship also reported that Machado would be involved in a “corruption plot” by opposition leader Juan Guaidó, which led to a “blockade.” [econômico] crimes” in Venezuela and the “blatant exploitation” of Venezuelan companies and assets abroad with the “complicity of corrupt governments”.

“The blockade demanded by María Corina Machado, in collusion with the usurper Juan Guaidó and others, led to the hijacking of $4 billion that was being withheld in the international banking system,” said the inspector.

On Twitter, Machado denied the allegations and said he intends to continue running in the Venezuelan opposition primary, which will be held in October.

“It’s a useless ‘disqualification’ that just shows the regime knows it’s already defeated. Now let’s vote harder, more rebellious and more willing in the primaries. Here it is the Venezuelan people that make this possible. To the end is to the end!” wrote the opposition figure.

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