María Corina Machado Confirms Meeting with Manuel Rosales, Urges Unitary Platform Attendance

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has confirmed plans to meet with Manuel Rosales, another prominent opposition figure, and has urged members of the Unitary Platform political party to attend the meeting. Machado, who has been banned from participating in the upcoming July 2024 presidential election in Venezuela, continues to actively campaign, refusing to settle for a backup plan.

The planned meeting between Machado and Rosales, the governor of Zulia state and president of the Un Nuevo Tiempo (UNT) party, aims to define the opposition's presidential candidate for the July 28th elections. Rosales expressed optimism about the meeting, stating, "I feel more optimistic than ever and confident in a great Venezuela." The Unitary Platform (PUD) has been holding a series of meetings to resolve differences and unify a presidential candidacy, and they are expected to remain in permanent session until a consensus is reached.

During the meeting, opposition party leaders are expected to present their visions and proposals to find the most effective strategy to face the government candidates in the upcoming elections. Machado, Rosales, and other PUD members hope to work together to present a solid and united proposal that represents the Venezuelan opposition and offers a viable alternative to voters dissatisfied with the current situation in the country.

Despite being banned from running in the election herself, Machado attempted to register a proxy candidate, planning to step in at the last minute, but electoral authorities refused to allow this. Some of her campaign team members were also arrested. The US recently decided to reinstate oil sanctions on Venezuela, citing a lack of progress in establishing adequate elections and the Venezuelan government's refusal to register Machado or an alternative opposition candidate.

The reimposition of US sanctions is expected to primarily impact Venezuelan oil exports to India and China, which have emerged as major destinations for Venezuelan crude since sanctions were lifted in October 2022. The US administration has stated that it will consider lifting the sanctions again if the Venezuelan government allows opposition candidates to participate in the July presidential election.

Key Takeaways

• Machado and Rosales to meet to define opposition's presidential candidate
• Unitary Platform holding meetings to unify opposition candidacy
• Machado banned from running, tried to register proxy candidate
• US reimposes Venezuela oil sanctions, citing lack of fair elections
• Unified opposition candidate could pose stronger challenge to Maduro