In the lead-up to Venezuela's elections, opposition leader María Corina Machado, despite being barred from holding office, has decided not to withdraw her candidacy against Nicolás Maduro before the 3/25 registration deadline. This decision comes amidst pressures from both international leaders and domestic opponents of Maduro. Machado's stance has been a focal point of discussion, with many viewing it as a critical moment for Venezuelans fighting to restore democracy. The elections, though criticized for potential imperfections, are seen as a significant opportunity for Venezuelan citizens to express their political will, a chance they have not had for over a decade. Machado's commitment to the electoral route underscores her belief that Maduro fears competing in a free election, a sentiment echoed by her urging Venezuelans to trust in her decisions moving forward, especially after her announcement made past 7:30pm local time.
Maria Corina refuses to back down from the electoral route and says Maduro doesn’t dare compete in free elections because he knows he will lose, she asks Venezuelans to trust that she will make the right decisions going forward. #Venezuela https://t.co/by42AINjxc
Waiting on an announcement from Maria Corina Machado who earlier promised a message at 7:30pm local time (35 minutes ago). #Venezuela https://t.co/yFc8tRZ9Ry
By turning on its ideological allies, the Maduro regime may succeed in ensuring that those groups are not able to influence its electoral base, @TonyFrangieM writes. https://t.co/j8aGcN9pBP
Barred from running for office, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado faces a choice on which the hopes of millions of Venezuelans fighting to restore their democracy depends. https://t.co/7l1ex9rIY2
Deadlines are totally imaginary; Maduro's people can still change all the rules later. Machado knows this, meaning she doesn't have to decide by 25 March. I think we'll still be debating this candidate question in April and even May. Sorry to those who hope for a sooner decision. https://t.co/bqbB5xZgTm
It’s her choice - but one on which the hopes of millions of Venezuelans fighting to restore their democracy depends. https://t.co/dNwjxeLWnw
Venezuelan opposition leader faces deadline for standing down in race against Maduro https://t.co/JvvQOgzZoF
Venezuelan opposition leader faces deadline for standing down in race against Maduro (from @AP) By @reginagarciakNO & @APjoshgoodman https://t.co/Mu6Qlm0jW5
“As imperfect as the elections will be, they represent a huge opportunity for Venezuelans to mobilize and express their voice in ways they haven’t for a decade,” https://t.co/2X3u8mdOCP
It’s her choice-but one impacting millions of Venezuelans. Barred from holding office, María Corina Machado is under pressure from foreign leaders and Maduro opponents to ditch her candidacy before a 3/25 registration deadline. @reginagarciakNO https://t.co/PD2KJ3ocah