In a recent virtual intervention at the 54th Conference of the Council of the Americas, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado and presidential candidate Edmundo González voiced their belief in a real opportunity to democratize the country. However, they also warned that if President Nicolás Maduro holds onto power by force or fraud, it could lead to a massive wave of emigration of up to several million Venezuelans.
Machado, the founder of the Vente Venezuela political movement, and González, the candidate for the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), emphasized the crucial role of international support in the upcoming presidential elections on July 28. Both politicians are working together to address the challenges faced in the current political climate.
González, a former ambassador, reflected on the enthusiasm he has witnessed among the people to participate in the political process, despite never previously being involved in a political campaign. He mentioned the support they have received from center and left-wing organizations in backing the unitary candidacy he represents.
González’s candidacy was originally registered to ensure the presence of the MUD on the electoral ballot. However, opposition parties decided to support him as a candidate after the disqualification of María Corina Machado and her replacement, Corina Yoris, from registering their candidacies by the Comptroller’s Office. Machado has contested this decision, labeling it as illegal.