Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado: Defying the Odds in Venezuela’s Election Race

In Sabana de Mendoza, a small Andean town in Venezuela, people shout and wave banners as opposition leader Maria Corina Machado arrives at a rally. Despite being banned from running in the upcoming elections, Machado continues to campaign across the country with enthusiasm and charisma.

As she steps onto the stage, Machado greets her followers with a warm smile and thanks them for their support. She then launches into her speech, dedicating one minute to talking about Edmundo González Urrutia, the third candidate promoted by the Democratic Unitary Platform this year. Machado encourages her followers to vote for González, highlighting his diplomatic background and promising that he will lead Venezuela towards greater freedom and prosperity.

González, who has yet to make a public appearance himself, hopes that opposition leaders like Machado will represent him during the campaign and carry his message to the voters. Despite their contrasting personalities and backgrounds, Machado’s energetic campaigning style is expected to align well with González’s diplomatic approach once he takes center stage.

As night falls over Sabana de Mendoza, attendees at the rally turn on their cell phones and share photos of Machado on social media. They also take selfies with her before she climbs into the back of a truck as if she were a presidential candidate – even though she can’t run for president officially. The scene is a testament to Machado’s enduring popularity among Venezuelans despite being barred from running in the elections scheduled for July 28th.