The opening of the voting centers for the repetition of the regional elections this Sunday in Barinas, started after 6:00 am. By that time, all polling stations must be active, according to the mandate of the National Electoral Council (CNE).
The elections this Sunday in Barinas are held after the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) annulled the November 21 votes in the region. In addition, to order its repetition, when detecting that the opposition candidate Freddy Superlano – who narrowly won the ruling party Argenis Chávez – appeared despite being disqualified.
The high court made the decision eight days after the holding of regional elections throughout the country and with a proclaimed governor in all states, except Barinas. This region demanded to know what was happening, without receiving answers from the National Electoral Council (CNE).
The order of repetition was given by the Supreme Court after receiving a constitutional amparo action filed by Adolfo Superlano (not related to Freddy Superlano). This is considered a dissident of the opposition, “for the alleged violation of the constitutional rights to participation and suffrage”, provided for in the Magna Carta.
The aforementioned violation of “constitutional rights” occurs, said the Supreme Court, by the nomination of the opposition Freddy Superlano. This body then clarified in a statement that a disqualification was presented weighing on him.
However, the opponent was included in a list of amnestied by Nicolás Maduro in August 2020. For this reason, the reasons why he was again disqualified are unknown.
Who are the candidates in Barinas?
The candidates who aspire to govern Barinas and who have options are:
- The former foreign minister and former minister of Hugo Chávez, Jorge Arreaza, on the part of the ruling party.
- Sergio Garrido, for the Democratic Unity Table (MUD).
- Claudio Fermín, considered a dissident of the majority anti-Chavez movement.