NEW DELHI: Venezuela's main opposition coalition has unanimously agreed to support former diplomat Edmundo González as a unified candidate against President Nicolas Maduro in the upcoming summer elections. The decision was made just one day before the deadline for formally deciding on candidates, following a five-hour meeting between the 10 parties that make up the United Democratic Platform.
The coalition initially registered González provisionally on March 26, amid criticism from opposition leaders who claimed they had been prevented from registering their desired candidate. With Saturday the final deadline for Mr. Gonzalez to solidify his candidacy, opposition camps moved to secure his status as a formal candidate.
The opposition coalition had to replace its original candidate, Maria Colina Machado, who won a primary election organized by the opposition coalition in October but was subsequently barred from running by the government. Machado was disqualified from holding public office for 15 years by the ruling party-led National Audit Board.
The rebels face a crackdown ahead of the July 28 presidential election, despite Maduro's government promising to facilitate fair elections in exchange for sanctions relief. The Biden administration recently condemned President Maduro's actions and reimposed oil sanctions.
Concerns have also been voiced by the governments of Colombia and Brazil, and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo has accused Maduro's government of further strengthening anti-democratic regimes.
In response to the criticism, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil denounced it as unwarranted interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
Maduro, who calls himself a socialist leader, last month formally announced his candidacy for a third term, which could extend until 2031.
More than 10 candidates are expected to appear in the election, but apart from the main opposition coalition, none are expected to pose a serious threat to President Maduro's political stronghold.
The coalition initially registered González provisionally on March 26, amid criticism from opposition leaders who claimed they had been prevented from registering their desired candidate. With Saturday the final deadline for Mr. Gonzalez to solidify his candidacy, opposition camps moved to secure his status as a formal candidate.
The opposition coalition had to replace its original candidate, Maria Colina Machado, who won a primary election organized by the opposition coalition in October but was subsequently barred from running by the government. Machado was disqualified from holding public office for 15 years by the ruling party-led National Audit Board.
The rebels face a crackdown ahead of the July 28 presidential election, despite Maduro's government promising to facilitate fair elections in exchange for sanctions relief. The Biden administration recently condemned President Maduro's actions and reimposed oil sanctions.
Concerns have also been voiced by the governments of Colombia and Brazil, and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo has accused Maduro's government of further strengthening anti-democratic regimes.
In response to the criticism, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ivan Gil denounced it as unwarranted interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
Maduro, who calls himself a socialist leader, last month formally announced his candidacy for a third term, which could extend until 2031.
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