“The idea behind this is to play the surprise factor, to undermine the capabilities of the opposition to organize themselves and coalesce around a stronger position,” explained José Enrique Arrioja, Americas Quarterly and AS/COA senior director of policy. The opposition now has only four months to decide who their presidential candidate will be—a process complicated by the disqualification of María Corina Machado, who won the October presidential primary by a ladnslide. Arrioja explains why the choice of the date is surprising, obstacles for the opposition, and how the United States is reacting. He warns: “The scenario that we have before us is not an encouraging one and the transition to democracy boils down to a race against the clock.” Full Inerview -> AS/COA
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