Highlights: Venezuela accuses the United States of wanting to “discredit” its presidential election. The opposition coalition candidate was unable to register, among other obstacles. The electoral authorities have been the subject of strong criticism for years, accused of lacking impartiality. The American economic sanctions weighing on the country had been eased for six months but on the condition that free elections were organized. We will know at the end of April if the U.S. maintains this lifting of sanctions, RFI's Alice Campaignolle says.

Venezuela accuses the United States of wanting to “discredit” its presidential election

Venezuelan authorities reacted strongly to the statement from the United States Department of State, criticizing the process of filing presidential candidacies in the Caribbean country. The opposition coalition candidate was unable to register, among other obstacles. International condemnations continue and on the Venezuelan side, the National Electoral Council (CNE) responded to Washington via a deadly press release.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro addresses his supporters on the day he submits his candidacy, March 25, 2024 in Caracas. REUTERS - Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

By: RFI Follow

With our correspondent in Caracas,

Alice Campaignolle

According to the CNE, the United States' objective would be to "

discredit one of the strongest institutions of Venezuela's robust democracy

." However, in Venezuela, the electoral authorities have been the subject of strong criticism for years, accused of lacking impartiality. In its press release, the CNE asserts that it cannot be held responsible for the “

personal incapacities of a few individuals

” who think they are above the law. This is a clear reference to Maria Corina Machado, the unelectable opposition leader. But the name of his replacement could not be included on the list of candidates either, without explanation. It was ultimately the third choice of the opposition that could be registered, the candidacy of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a former ambassador and political scientist. At the same time, Manuel Rosales, an opposition heavyweight, also registered to, according to him, propose an alternative solution. But his candidacy has aroused distrust within the opposition, with some highlighting his regular contacts with power since he was governor.

Thus, according to the United States, those in power would choose opponents who could go to the presidential election,

candidates with whom Nicolas Maduro would feel comfortable winning

. The American economic sanctions weighing on the country had been eased for six months but on the condition that free elections were organized. We will know at the end of April if the United States maintains this lifting of sanctions.

Venezuela accuses the United States of wanting to “discredit” its presidential election

Venezuela accuses the United States of wanting to “discredit” its presidential election

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