Maria Corina leaves, Corina takes her place. Maria Corina Machado, who was nominated in October 2023 following the primaries held by Venezuela's opposition coalition, was then declared ineligible by a court ruling in January. On Friday, March 22, she announced that she was handing over the presidential election candidacy representing the opposition union coalition – the Unitary Platform (PU) – to Corina Yoris, a university professor with no political experience. On July 28, Yoris will face the incumbent president, Nicolas Maduro, who is seeking a third term in office.

With degrees in philosophy and literature, a doctorate in history and membership in the Venezuelan Academy of Language, Yoris, who turned 80 in March, has had a brilliant academic career. She is, however, completely unknown to the electorate. Her appointment came as a surprise, putting an end to the discussions and negotiations that had been stirring up the PU parties for weeks.

Maria Corina Machado – who had initially ruled out withdrawing from the presidential race – waited until the last moment to announce that she had accepted being "represented": "Corina is not replacing Maria Corina, she is representing her," insisted sources close to Machado.

The five-day deadline for filing presidential candidacies was due to end at midnight on Monday, March 25. By Monday evening, Yoris had still not been able to register for the election. On its X account, Yoris protested that her registration on the National Electoral Council (CNE) website was being "impeded," by blocking access to the platform for registration. Opposition figures have suspected a maneuver by the authorities to prevent Yoris from registering for the election, with Machado appealing to the international community on X.

Yoris' name was announced on Friday during a press conference at Machado's campaign headquarters in Caracas. "We have found an honorable person, in whom I have full confidence, to conduct this campaign with the support and trust of all," declared opposition leader Machado, adding: "I will continue to travel throughout Venezuela to bring strength and hope throughout the country. We're in the same boat. We make a great team."

Yoris, meanwhile, said she was ready to take up the "challenge." She spoke of her "tremendous commitment to the people, the citizens and Maria Corina." Both women pointed out that Machado had not given up on her candidacy, without specifying how she intended to pursue it.

Conciliation was not the order of the day. Machado's entourage has been targeted by the justice system. Arrested on Wednesday, Henry Alvarez and Dignora Hernandez, who worked for her campaign, are still being held. In all, a dozen of Machado's associates have been arrested or are the subject of arrest warrants, having been accused of plotting against the government.

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