Guaido's Delegation Admits Possibility Of Maduro's Nomination For Presidential Election

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is eligible to become a candidate for possible presidential elections, but not as incumbent leader of the country, representatives of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's delegation said on Tuesday at a press conference in the Italian capital of Rome

ROME (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th February, 2019) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is eligible to become a candidate for possible presidential elections, but not as incumbent leader of the country, representatives of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido's delegation said on Tuesday at a press conference in the Italian capital of Rome.

"Maduro is free to nominate his candidacy, but not as an incumbent president," Venezuelan lawmaker Gabriel Gallo said, adding that a decision on Maduro's nomination should be made by the ruling United Socialist Party.

Tensions in Venezuela escalated when Guaido, the head of the opposition-led parliament, declared himself interim president on January 23, disputing last year's re-election of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro. Guaido's declaration was almost immediately recognized by the United States and some of its allies.

Russia, China, Mexico, Turkey and Uruguay have said that they consider Maduro to be Venezuela's legitimate president.