The opposition has until April 20 to conduct internal deliberations on whether to throw support behind one of the registered candidates or designate alternatives.
“With sincerity, I urge negotiations to find a candidate capable of overcoming the government’s challenges, and I am willing to step aside and hand over the candidacy,” stated Rosales, the governor of Zulia province, during an event in Maracaibo.
Rosales, whose proximity to the ruling party has drawn criticism from some within the opposition, clarified that his registration aimed to ensure representation and prevent voter absenteeism.
The Democratic Unity faction enlisted Edmundo Gonzalez, a former ambassador, though reports suggest his candidacy serves as a temporary placeholder for a potential substitute.
Maria Corina Machado, who emerged victorious in the opposition primary with a commanding 93% majority but faces legal barriers to holding office, has stated that she is assessing any prospective alliance with Rosales on a day-to-day basis.
While Machado was anticipated to command a significant portion of the votes, surpassing Maduro’s support in various opinion polls, the level of backing for other opposition figures remains uncertain, particularly without her full endorsement.
Despite support from Washington, Venezuela’s opposition has struggled to unseat Maduro, who has held power since 2013 and won a controversial 2018 election boycotted by the opposition over concerns of electoral manipulation.
