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Significance

The front runners are two high-profile and experienced opposition politicians: Maria Corina Machado (‘MCM’) and Henrique Capriles Radonksi. Both are currently barred from holding public office, after MCM received a 15-year ban on June 30. The opposition is administering the primary contest independently, enabling MCM to continue campaigning.

Impacts

International actors will seek to negotiate a common response to the ban, which is unlikely to prompt a shift in the government's position.

MCM joining the primary process prevents the opposition from engaging in protracted internal conflicts over boycotts as in 2013 and 2018.

Ahead of the primary, Capriles has the advantage of a large party base and support among more centrist opinion.

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