The decision by the Venezuelan Supreme Tribunal of Justice to disqualify MaríaCorina Machado has no legal grounds and she remains eligible to run for the elections, states Parliament in its resolution adopted on Thursday by 446 votes in favour, 21 against and 32 abstentions. The text also strongly condemns the attempts to prevent other opposition politicians, such as Henrique Capriles, from holding public office.

Respecting the Barbados agreement could be a turning point towards democracy

MEPs condemn the attacks, alleged forced disappearances, arrests and arrest warrants against the opposition, civil society, human rights defenders and journalists, and the interference of Nicolás Maduro’s regime in the electoral process.

The Maduro regime is in clear breach of the agreement, signed last year in Barbados by representatives of the Venezuelan government and the opposition, to hold free and fair presidential elections in 2024. Persecutions must stop immediately, say MEPs. If all…