United States legislators expressed their support for the candidacy of María Corina Machado in Venezuela

“We are with you”Republican legislators told him at the roundtable MARIA ELVIRA SALAZARChairman of the Latin America Subcommittee on the Foreign Affairs Committee of the United States House of Representatives.

Machado participated virtually and received thanks from participants for continuing to fight for his candidacy despite the repression of the Chavista regime.

“Congratulations. Thank you for not leaving, for staying. God bless you. We are here to help you. (…) “We are neither Republicans nor Democrats when it comes to Venezuela’s quest for independence.”

On January 26, the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) upheld Machado’s political disqualification from contesting the 2024 presidential elections and other elections until 2036.

The challenger has reiterated that she will run as the candidate of the largest anti-Chavista group in this year’s elections, though she has not specified how she plans to overcome the obstacle imposed by the Chavista TSJ.

“The (Nicolas) Maduro regime must allow free and transparent elections. If they choose you as president, God bless you, but let that process exist. We are not only proud, but also humbled to know that there are those like you who decided to live abroad while others lead a better life,” said the sub-committee chairman.

Support also came from the Democratic Party: “Thank you for fighting for democracy”MLA Joaquin Castro told him.

Machado himself reiterated his determination and pointed out that the call to the lower house was useful and necessary.

“Today we are united and we have succeeded in waking up Venezuela. We managed to unite the opposing forces. We know that now we have the hardest part. (…) The most difficult times await us, but this strength is growing and this fight lasts until the end,” he emphasized.

The present moment, according to him, is the right one to achieve change: “We have never had a balance of forces before. Governance is weak.”

Republican legislator Mario Diaz-Balart He believed that Machado would manage to liberate Venezuela.

“Venezuela is definitely going to be free because of your attitude. We appreciate what you are doing. There are people who say that you are the leader of the opposition. With all due respect, I disagree. “You are the leader of Venezuela,” he concluded.

The ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) was last Monday in favor of this year’s elections amid ongoing controversy over the election date and repeated attacks from the opposition. To be held “as soon as possible”.within the period required by the National Electoral Council (CNE) to organize these elections.

During a meeting called by parliament – controlled by Chavismo – to prepare a proposal for the electoral calendar, pro-government former governor Francisco Emelich made the proposal on behalf of the composition of which he is part of the board.

“The PSUV proposes that, taking into account the geopolitical events and the national situation (…), we agree that elections be held as soon as possible in Venezuela, according to the period and technical capabilities that the PSUV has. . CNE,” he said.

Last Sunday, dictator Maduro threatened to win the election “Good Way or Bad Way”. “We are the people in power (…). “We are going to win by hook or by crook,” a red-shirted Maduro told thousands celebrating the 32nd anniversary of the failed February 4, 1992 coup led by the former president. Hugo Chavez (1999–2013), of which Maduro is the designated successor.

(with information from EFE)