Venezuelas supreme court has barred opposition leader Mara Corina Machado from this years presidential race.This decision casts doubt on a United States -Venezuela deal, linking sanctions relief to Venezuelas commitment to fair elections.The court confirmed a previous ban, preventing Machado, a leading candidate in opinion polls, from holding public office for 15 years.This latest disqualification stems from a 2021 Comptrollers Office ruling, part of a series targeting Machado.In 2023, the Comptroller upheld a 2015 decision barring her due to alleged legislative irregularities, including asset declaration errors.The court found Machado responsible for a $32.5 billion loss to Venezuela.Venezuela Restricts Opposition Leaders Presidential Run.
(Photo Internet reproduction)The court accused Machado of transferring Citgo to Crystallex and aiding in seizing $4 billion of Venezuelan assets.Machados team has not commented on the ruling.The decision follows Machado and other opposition figures appealing their ineligibility, integral to the United States -negotiated roadmap for fair elections.Machado argued that no legal barrier exists against her candidacy, as she wasnt officially notified of any ban.After winning the oppositions primaries, Machado emerged as a leading contender against President Nicols Maduro.Maduro, seeking a third term, represents the ruling United Socialist Party.
The election date remains unannounced.Henrique Capriles remains disqualifiedMaduros government has intensified its stance against opposition figures.Recently, three of Machados associates were arrested for allegedly plotting Maduros assassination, as stated by prosecutor Tarek William Saab.Furthermore, former governor and presidential candidate Henrique Capriles remains disqualified, leaving the opposition without a clear challenger to Maduro.Other opposition leaders, such as Leocenis Garca, Richard Mardo, and Pablo Prez, are permitted to run for office.The United States has been pressuring Maduro to allow opposition participation in the elections, threatening to reimpose sanctions on Venezuelas key exports.In a related development, Venezuela exchanged ten Americans for Maduros ally, Alex Saab, under the sanctions relief agreement on December 20.This series of events highlights the complex dynamics of Venezuelan politics and its impact on international relations and democracy.