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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2024/2549(RSP))

On further repression against the democratic forces in Venezuela: attacks on presidential candidate Maria Corina Machado

B-9-2024-0100

on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Javi López

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 26 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

Parliament's resolution condemns restrictions on Venezuela's opposition and the 15-year ban on presidential candidate María Corina Machado. It calls for full implementation of the Barbados Agreement and inclusive dialogue leading to fair, competitive elections in 2024. It urges Venezuelan authorities to ensure free, transparent elections, implement EU election observation mission recommendations and invite international observers. It asks the EEAS, member states and the EU Delegation to support human rights defenders and civil society.

Key points

  1. Calls for the full implementation of the Barbados Agreement and continued inclusive dialogue leading to fair and competitive elections in 2024.
  2. Welcomes the decision by the parties to the Venezuelan-led negotiation process to remain at the negotiating table.
  3. Condemns administrative decisions intended to prevent opposition members from exercising their core political rights.
  4. Reaffirms commitment to fundamental rights and the rule of law, and calls on Venezuelan authorities to align legislation with international standards on freedom of association.
  5. Calls on the Venezuelan authorities to initiate an inclusive and effective national dialogue.
  6. Urges the Venezuelan authorities to ensure fair, free, inclusive and transparent elections and to respect the decisions of Venezuelans when choosing their representatives.
  7. Calls on the Venezuelan authorities to implement the 2021 EU election observation mission recommendations, including abolishing the Comptroller General's power to strip citizens of the right to stand for election.
  8. Calls on the Venezuelan authorities to invite international observers, including the EU, to observe the upcoming presidential elections.
  9. Is concerned about the possible use of the legal framework to restrict human rights defence and freedom of association, particularly the draft law on non-governmental organisations.
  10. Calls on the EEAS, member states and the EU Delegation to Venezuela to prioritise human rights, democracy and the rule of law and to support human rights defenders and civil society.

Who is affected

  • Venezuelan authorities, who are called on to hold fair elections, allow observers and reform legislation.
  • María Corina Machado, barred from public office for 15 years and prevented from running.
  • Venezuelan opposition and civil society, facing restrictions on political rights and freedom of association.
  • EEAS, member states and the EU Delegation to Venezuela, asked to support human rights defenders and civil society.

Figures and deadlines

  • 15 years — length of the ban on María Corina Machado from holding public office.
  • 30 June 2023 — date the Comptroller General announced the ban.
  • 26 January 2024 — date Venezuela's Supreme Court upheld the ban.
  • 21 November 2021 — date of the regional and municipal elections observed by the EU mission.
  • more than seven million people — number who have left Venezuela.