:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/E4LMRTFVKBZWWDPWTO4MY2XIUU.jpg "A philosopher to confront Maduro: the bet of the opposition María Corina Machado")
Venezuelan philosopher and university professor Corina Yoris has been selected by opposition leader María Corina Machado to run against President Nicolás Maduro in the upcoming July 28 elections.
The move comes after Machado was disqualified from running due to a 15-year ban on holding public office, which she denounces as illegal. In a press conference, Machado expressed her full confidence in Yoris, describing her as honorable and trustworthy. Yoris, a graduate in Philosophy and Letters and a doctor in History, previously served on the commission that organized the primary elections where Machado secured over 90% of the votes.
Despite Machado’s intention to continue leading the campaign and potentially challenging her disqualification, the Supreme Court upheld the sanction and recently arrested several of her collaborators. Machado and her team have been accused of “destabilizing actions” by the authorities, although no charges have been filed against her.
Meanwhile, Maduro is seeking a third term in office, having first assumed the presidency in 2013 following the death of Hugo Chávez. His re-election in 2018 was marred by allegations of fraud. Machado emphasized Yoris’s clean record and eligibility to run, highlighting the need to combat the regime’s attempts to suppress opposition voices.
The upcoming deadline for candidate nominations poses a challenge for the opposition, as they struggle to access the automated system of the National Electoral Council (CNE). With only two authorized partisan ballots available, the opposition faces limited options in the electoral process.
While organizations supporting Maduro have started nominating their candidates, the PSUV, led by Maduro, has yet to formally announce its candidacy. Critics have raised concerns about politicians claiming to be anti-Chavist but allegedly collaborating with the government.
As the political landscape heats up ahead of the elections, Machado and Yoris remain determined to challenge the status quo and fight for the future of Venezuela.