:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/5RUOYTC55FFCXMPSNA3SVPQGSQ.PNG "The strategy of the Venezuelan opposition to nominate González Urrutia as the replacement for María Corina Machado")
Venezuelan Opposition Announces Edmundo González Urrutia as Unity Candidate for Presidential Elections
The Venezuelan opposition has officially named Edmundo González Urrutia, a 74-year-old career diplomat, as its unity candidate to challenge dictator Nicolás Maduro in the upcoming presidential elections on July 28. This decision comes after the disqualified leader María Corina Machado was unable to run, with the coalition unanimously approving González Urrutia’s final nomination.
Omar Barboza, the secretary general of the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), stated that the selection of González Urrutia as the opposition’s candidate is a historic decision for the people of Venezuela. The decision followed days of internal disagreements within the opposition over the unitary candidacy.
González Urrutia was initially registered as a provisional candidate after facing obstacles in the nomination process. The National Electoral Council (CNE) was accused of obstructing the selection of the initial candidate, Corina Yoris. González Urrutia’s candidacy was seen as a temporary measure until a unity candidate could be agreed upon.
The announcement of González Urrutia as the unity candidate comes after a series of meetings within the opposition, culminating in the decision hours before the deadline to replace candidates on the ballot closed. While González Urrutia has not yet commented on his nomination, the opposition has expressed enthusiasm for his candidacy.
The governor of the oil state of Zulia, Manuel Rosales, also withdrew his candidacy in support of González Urrutia. Various opposition leaders have praised González Urrutia’s qualities, including his integrity, education, and ability to build consensus.
The opposition is now working to formalize support for González Urrutia from all parties within the coalition. Barboza highlighted the unity among the opposition, stating, “We have a unanimous candidate, not only are we united, we are super united.” The upcoming presidential elections are seen as a critical opportunity to challenge Maduro’s regime and bring about change in Venezuela.