France Press agency
The Venezuelan parliament is preparing a proposed date for presidential elections
The Venezuelan parliament, controlled by the ruling Chavista movement, on Monday began a consultation process between political leaders and civil society to prepare a proposed timetable for presidential elections, which will be delivered to the National Electoral Council, with the authority to call them. Last October, the government and the opposition in Barbados signed an agreement to hold elections in the second half of the year under the supervision of the European Union. This consultation process – which has no fixed period – was held after the elections. President Jorge Rodriguez said: “The United States has decided to reimpose sanctions on Venezuelan oil and gas, which were suspended after the Barbados Agreement brokered by Norway. Look for them for the purposes of issuing, if possible, a consensus proposal on a presidential electoral calendar.” “Member of the National Assembly and head of the government delegation in negotiations with the opposition. The elections in Venezuela were called by the National Electoral Council, which the opposition accuses of serving Chavismo. For Rodriguez, “it is very healthy and strengthens the democratic process.” He added: “In Venezuela, political parties can, In which pre-candidates can determine their position, express their opinion.” The parliamentary leader, who chaired the National Electoral Commission between 2005 and 2006, stressed. Liberal Maria Corina Machado, who swept the opposition's internal elections to be its candidate in this year's elections, ruled out participating in this consultation, which she described as a “maneuver” toward a “fraudulent electoral path.” “I warn against this crude manipulation that repeatedly violates the Barbados Agreement,” Machado said on the social network against him 15 years ago. – Elections as soon as possible? Experts agree that Chavista wants to hold elections as quickly as possible, taking advantage of Machado's ineligibility. For his part, President Nicolas Maduro appears to be a natural candidate for re-election. Dissident opposition forces, described as cooperative, talk about holding elections from July to October, while the ruling party suggested “preparing” even if they are called. Between March and May. “I am sure that on the day they call, in the month of March, in the month of April, in the month of May, in the month of July, we will not stop working, we will continue to work (…), and when the Council convenes,” Maduro said on Sunday. We will be ready for the national election.” He added: “I say with all humility, from my heart and with all the strength and authority that the people can give me.” The president said, Monday, during his weekly television program: “In 2024, it will rain, thunder, or lightning. There will be presidential elections.” As the Constitution stipulates.” An alternative council proposed, for example, celebrating Independence Day on July 5th. The party's de facto secretary general, Bernabé Gutierrez, told AFP: “We are independent in the United States and in the whole world.” José Brito, opposition lawmaker and presidential candidate, who is accused by certain sectors of supporting the government, proposed holding elections. It will be set for July 28. “There is a need for us to make a call now (…). In such a way that the deadline does not pass between July 28 and the first half of August,” Brito told reporters before the parliamentary session on Monday. Rodriguez noted that the president elected in the 2024 elections will take office on the 10th. From Aug. Jan. 2025. mbj-jt/dga/mar/arm
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