Venezuelan Election Drama: Maria Corina Machado's Campaign for Change

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado rallies support for her replacement, Edmundo Gonzalez, ahead of the July 28 presidential election. Despite a court ban, Machado campaigns vigorously, emphasizing unity and redemption while facing personal attacks and legal challenges. Her support for privatization contrasts sharply with the socialist government.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's campaign trail is marked by laughter, tears, and pleas for change as she urges voters to support her replacement, Edmundo Gonzalez, in the upcoming July 28 presidential election. Despite her popularity and a two million vote victory in the opposition's primary, Machado is barred from running against President Nicolas Maduro, due to a court order.

Machado commands large crowds, rallying from a pick-up truck and attacking Maduro's government. She appeals to a population weary of economic woes, poor public services, and mass migration, emphasizing the need to reunite families. Her rallies evoke joy and hope for change among attendees, even as some rivals accuse her of egotism and her mother calls her 'stubborn.'

Machado paints the election as a 'spiritual struggle of good versus evil,' focusing on redemption and unity. She supports privatizing state-owned enterprises like PDVSA and establishing welfare programs for the poor. Her campaign faces significant challenges; several close aides have been arrested or sought asylum, and her upper-class background attracts criticism from the ruling socialist party. Machado condemns Maduro's regime as a 'criminal mafia,' maintaining her liberal stance against discrimination.

(With inputs from agencies.)