Venezuelan Opposition Votes for Leader Shortly After Sanctions Ease

Venezuela opposition candidate Maria Corina Machedo has claimed victory in the oppositions presidential primary on Sunday.

• It comes after the US eased oil and gas sanctions last week over President Nicolas Maduros commitments to lift bans on opposition figures holding office.
• Machado held 93% of the vote, after just over 26% of ballot boxes counted, according to the primary's organizing commission around midnight Venezuela’s time las night.
• The count was delayed by a server blockage and is expected to resume Monday.
• Machado remains barred from public office over her support of the sanctions on Maduro's government and would not be able to register for the general election at present but there is hope that the current negotiations may ease this standing.
• Maduro has until the end of November to begin rescinding bans and releasing political prisoners.
• Lead government negotiator Jorge Rodriguez confirmed this week that those with disqualifications cannot run in the 2024 contest – it is not clear if this will lead to the US unwinding oil and gas sanctions relief if Machedo is not able to run.