Venezuela opposition presidential candidate Yoris, 80, says her age is no handicap

CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela’s 80-year-old aspiring opposition presidential candidate, Corina Yoris, expressed confidence on Monday that her age would not hinder her as she prepares to challenge incumbent President Nicolas Maduro in July’s election.

Yoris was selected as the opposition candidate by Maria Corina Machado, who emerged victorious in the opposition nominating contest last year but is barred from holding public office.

In contrast to the United States, where the ages of the two presidential candidates have been a focal point, little attention has been given to Yoris’ age in Venezuela.

If she emerges victorious in July, she would be 86 by the end of her term, making her one of the oldest world leaders.

Despite acknowledging that she may not be as physically fit as in the past, Yoris emphasized that her mental acuity remained sharp.

She stated in an interview with Reuters, “Is it solely physical strength that determines one’s ability to carry out such a significant task? I believe we must emphasize the capacity found in here,” pointing to her head and heart.

Monday marks the deadline for Yoris to register her candidacy, although it remains uncertain if Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) will accept her application.

If the CNE rejects her candidacy, the opposition will need to find a new candidate by April 20.

Yoris expressed willingness to engage in discussions with Maduro, stating, “I have to negotiate with him. I’m reminding him that he must adhere to the constitution.”

Venezuela’s ruling Socialist party has given Maduro, a 61-year-old former bus driver, the green light to run for a second term, and he officially registered as a candidate with the CNE on Monday.

“There will be elections with or without you,” Maduro declared from the CNE headquarters in Caracas, referring to the opposition.

Additionally, at least nine other candidates have registered, but most are perceived to have close ties to the government and lack significant voter support, according to polls.

(Reporting by Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas; Writing by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Rosalba O’Brien)