Venezuelan Opposition Remains Banned, Risking Oil Sanctions Relief

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado held over 93% of the lead in a presidential primary contest vote. She has declared victory as a result but still remains banned from running in the next election by the Maduro government because of her support for US sanctions to oust him.

• The 6-month, oil and gas sanctions deal announced by the US last week allowing Venezuelan barrels to flow again is reliant on banned political candidates being allowed to run by the end of November or risk the US sanctions being reimposed.
• Machado is aiming to run against Maduro in his probable re-election bid next year. One of her aims if elected president is to privatize national oil company PDVSA.
• The US government said later on Monday that it looked forward to additional steps needed from Venezuela to ensure a "free, fair and competitive" election next year.
• Though some Venezuelan prisoners were released as part of last weeks deal, the Maduro government repeated on Monday that those who have been disqualified cannot run in 2024 – referring to Machado and likely risking the sanctions relief.