After years of fragmentation and hostility, the Venezuelan opposition, which had long backed Nicolás Maduro, announced plans to hold a presidential primary on October 23. A wide field of candidates, including several affiliated with the Unitary Platform, is expected to decide the opposition’s choice to challenge the current president in the 2024 election. Campaigning is slated to begin on August 22.
“We will act as impartial arbiters of this process, and we must unite for change in Venezuela,” stated Jesús María Casal, head of the National Primary Commission (CNP). A notable portion of Maduro’s opponents quickly backed the organization. “We believe the change our people long for is possible in 2024. It’s time to meet, let’s work together to rebuild our homeland, Venezuela,” remarked former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles.
Juan Guaidó, who declared himself president two years ago, endorsed the steps taken by the opposition factions whose provisional mandate was terminated amid controversy and a sense of neglect from the United States, their main ally. He acknowledged the toll of internal feuds while calling for a focus on governing and healing wounds.
The opposition marked a political milestone by defeating the government in the 2015 parliamentary elections. Yet, momentum waned over time as divisions, strategic disagreements surrounding Miraflores Palace, and personal ambitions reduced political capital. “We will choose a leader in the primary, but we must also reach a governance agreement,” Guaidó said.
There is a shared belief that the change envisioned by the Venezuelan people can arrive in 2024.
Plans for the meeting timeline emphasize collaboration to rebuild the nation. A public call urged all supporters to unite behind the goal of strengthening democratic processes in Venezuela.
Social democrat Henry Ramos Allup also applauded the decision. He highlighted that the CNP comprises respected civil society figures and enjoys broad support from candidates and groups intent on selecting a single, credible opposition candidate without pretext.
#LaPrimariaVa — The message resonated with the crowd as leaders urged citizens who want political change to keep pressing toward the shared objective. The National Primary Commission of Venezuela amplified the message amid applause from attendees.
Casal emphasized the need for the State-controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) to guarantee special voting days for the primary. If the CNE cannot provide technical support, the opposition indicated it would conduct the primary independently. He added that broad participation from citizens dissatisfied with the government would be crucial to establishing a people-centered candidate and a hopeful path forward after years of disillusionment. “The primaries must be placed in the hands of the people,” he concluded, underscoring the democratic impulse driving the initiative.