On Monday 3 July, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, expressed his “deep concern” over the Venezuelan tax authorities’ decision to declare several political opposition figures, including María Corina Machado, ineligible for 15 years.
In 2024, “credible, transparent and inclusive presidential elections” will be crucial in the search for a solution to the political crisis in Venezuela, said Mr Borrell in a statement. Arbitrarily dismissing the political opposition undermines the rule of law and only deepens the crisis in the country, he added.
Political figures subject to administrative bans will be able to take part in the primary elections scheduled for October, but will not be able to stand as candidates in next year’s presidential elections.
Ms Machado felt that the ineligibility against her was “pointless” and reflected the “defeat” of Nicolas Maduro’s regime, saying on Twitter that only Venezuelans are entitled to decide who should represent them.
Putting an end to the arbitrary disqualification of candidates is one of the 23 recommendations made by the EU Election Observation Mission following the local and regional elections at the end of 2021 (see EUROPE 12896/11).
“We once again stress the importance of making full use of these recommendations to improve electoral conditions in Venezuela”, insists Mr Borrell. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)