Presidential elections approaching in Venezuela: 13 candidates to run

President of the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela, Elvis Amoroso, announced that the candidacy applications of 13 individuals, including that of President Nicolas Maduro, have been accepted for the presidential election. The announced list does not include the names of some candidates put forward by the opposition.

Holding a press conference, Amoroso stated that the registration processes for 13 candidates from 37 parties have been completed for the presidential election on July 28.

Stating that the applications ended yesterday, Amoroso said, "There are a total of 37 organizations participating in this electoral process for political purposes. Each of these organizations has fulfilled the conditions set by the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The CNE has fulfilled its duties regarding the elections, which are held every 6 years, to the letter."

Amoroso announced that the names who will participate in the election are President Maduro, Luis Eduardo Martinez, Daniel Ceballos, Antonio Ecarri, Juan Carlos Alvarado, Jose Brito, Benjamin Rausseo, Javier Bertucci, Claudio Fermin, Luis Ratti, Enrique Marquez, Manuel Rosales, and Edmundo Gonzalez Urruitia.

Expressing that the application processes of the parties were carried out according to the conditions specified in the Constitution, Amoroso said, "We thank each of the participants for their commitment to the Venezuelan Constitution."

COLOMBIA AND BRAZIL CRITICIZE THE PROCESS

Colombia and Brazil criticized the CNE's statement and reacted to the rejection of the applications of some prominent opposition figures.

In a statement from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was said that the non-approval of the main opposition party candidate's application for the July 28 presidential election was being followed with 'concern'.

The statement, which recalled the importance of the Barbados Agreement made with the opposition, noted that a call was made to the Venezuelan administration to conduct a 'transparent and free' election process.

In a statement from the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Barbados Agreement made with the opposition was reminded to the Venezuelan government.

The statement, which emphasized that 'free and democratic' elections should be held in Venezuela this year in exchange for the easing of US sanctions, demanded that the Venezuelan government comply with the requirements of the Barbados Agreement.

News Source: AA