Venezuela’s high court issued a suspension on Monday for the entire opposition’s primary election process, encompassing the annulment of its results. The move marks the latest effort by the government of Nicolás Maduro to impede its political rivals in preparation for the 2024 presidential election.
The court’s ruling stated that the opposition’s October 22 contest potentially violated the law, although it remained unclear whether the suspension would render the primary vote null and void. Clarification from the head of the National Primary Commission was unavailable, as he entered the attorney general’s office shortly after the ruling was issued. Notably, the commission is an independent body established to oversee the organization of the opposition’s primary.
Maduro and his allies have consistently downplayed the significance of the primary, but their criticism intensified following the unexpected surge in voter turnout, with more than 2.4 million Venezuelans participating domestically and abroad, even in areas once considered strongholds of the ruling party.
The court’s order mandated the submission of all ballots, tally sheets, and related documents, alleging that the independent contest might be in violation of the law. Additionally, the bans enforced by Maduro’s government on three candidates, including the declared winner Maria Corina Machado, were ratified. Machado, a former lawmaker and longstanding critic of the government, officially secured victory in the primary with over 90% of the vote.
