By Raul Castillo
In a surprising comparison, former President Donald Trump’s lawyers compared his eventual disqualification to that of Venezuela’s opposition leader, María Corina Machado, during their final rebuttal before the crucial Supreme Court hearing, scheduled for Thursday, February 8, which will determine whether the state of Colorado can keep him off the ballot in the March Republican primary.
In their brief, Trump’s lawyers alleged that the plaintiffs seek to impose “that same undemocratic measure” against him, in reference to the disqualification of Machado by the Nicolás Maduro regime.
They highlighted that while the US threatens sanctions against Venezuela for excluding Machado, Trump is defined as “the main candidate for the presidency of the United States,” according to the EFE agency.
It must be remembered that the Venezuelan Supreme Court of Justice disqualified the Venezuelan opposition leader for 15 years, prohibiting her from participating in the corresponding presidential elections for this year, in which she is the clear favorite to defeat the current president, Nicolás Maduro.
Machado’s disqualification has made headlines around the world and has been rejected by different governments, both right and left. And the opposition leader has confirmed that she will participate despite the disqualification, although it is not clear in what way she will attend.
The process against Trump
The Supreme Court hearing focuses on the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which could disqualify Trump due to accusations of leading an “insurrection” during the ‘storming of the Capitol’ in January 2021.
A group of voters from said state alleges that their participation is equivalent to engaging in insurrection, that the Constitution would prevent them from holding office and that they should not appear as a candidate on the electoral ballots, according to the EFE agency.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling on December 19, followed by the disqualification in Maine on December 28, highlights the importance of the Supreme Court in the American political and electoral system. Each state has its own rules, but a High Court ruling must be followed nationwide.
Although the public hearing is on February 8, it is not yet known when the Supreme Court will issue its ruling or the scope it could have.
Primaries in Colorado and Maine are scheduled for March 5.
With information from EFE.
Keep reading:
• María Corina Machado: the Venezuelan regime ratified the political disqualification against her
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