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Machado Leads in Venezuelan Presidential Primary

by VOA News

   The early returns of Venezuela's presidential primary indicate Monday
   that former legislator Maria Corina Machado is the opposition winner
   who could face off in 2024 against President Nicolas Maduro who has
   been in office since 2012.

   Election results were delayed due to technology issues, authorities
   say, and are still being counted.

   Machado was widely expected to win the primary. Whether she is allowed
   to run against Maduro remains to be seen.

   Before the election, Maduro reached an agreement, backed by the U.S.,
   for some basic elections conditions that resulted in in the U.S.
   lifting some economic sanctions imposed on Venezuela.

   While Maduro's government agreed to let the opposition choose its own
   candidate for the election, Maduro has also barred Machado from running
   for office.

   He can reverse the ban on Machado's political activities which he said
   were due to alleged tax and fraud violations.

   Venezuelans were eager to vote Sunday, braving heavy rains and standing
   in long lines.

   Thousands of Venezuelans living in other countries were also able to
   cast their votes for their opposition choice.