Venezuelan President Presents Annual Report to National Assembly
The Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, presented his annual report to the National Assembly (AN) in Caracas today. The Parliament, which is controlled by a strong pro-government majority, heard Maduro’s account of his management during 2023 and the plans for 2024, including the upcoming presidential elections. Among other topics, Maduro addressed the commemoration of Teachers’ Day and the impact of United States sanctions on the country.
The Venezuelan political landscape is experiencing increased impatience due to uncertainty surrounding the lack of a date for the presidential elections and the silence of the Supreme Court of Justice regarding the authorization of the unitary opposition candidate, María Corina Machado.
The delay in resolving both situations has created anxiety and concern among political leaders and has put pressure on the Maduro government. The decision to call the elections lies with the President, who has announced that they will be held in the second half of 2024, but has not set a specific date. According to the Constitution, presidential elections are usually held in December at the end of the government period, but the President has the authority to bring them forward.
Maduro has not yet confirmed whether he will seek re-election. There is a significant section of Chavismo and its allies who support the nomination of candidates other than Maduro due to his low popularity. Names such as Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Diosdado Cabello are being considered as potential candidates.
However, Maduro continues to face high levels of disapproval in polls, with up to 85% of respondents expressing disapproval of his leadership. Opposition parties have joined the demand for the calling of elections and the presentation of an electoral schedule to prepare their organization.
The Supreme Court of Justice is also delaying the review of disqualifications for several politicians, including María Corina Machado. Her legal team has been denied access to her file by the Chavismo-dominated Court, sparking concerns over the fairness of the process.
As part of the Barbados agreements, to which the Maduro government committed itself, the calling of free and fair elections and the authorization of politicians should have been completed by December last year. However, the government has not complied with these commitments, leading to increased frustration and uncertainty within the political landscape.