The European Union (EU) on Monday condemned the Venezuela Comptroller General’s decision to extend opposition figure Maria Corina Machado’s disqualification from elected office. The EU said that Comptroller Elvis Amoroso’s move contravened the recommendations of the 2021 EU Electoral Observation Mission to Venezuela, which asked the comptroller general to stop disqualifying potential candidates from elections, citing their inability to defend themselves.

National Assembly deputy Juan Brito released a letter detailing the reasons behind Machado’s disqualification, including her support of US sanctions against Venezuela and former opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Machado’s disqualification has also been criticized by various entities, including the US government and the Ibero-America Group for Freedom and Democracy, which say the move disenfranchises Venezuelans by stripping their right to vote for their candidate of choice. The Venezuelan opposition’s National Primary Commission has also rejected Machado’s disqualification on the grounds of unconstitutionality.

Machado has expressed her displeasure with the decision, saying that it reflects the government’s fear of loss and that her disqualification will only galvanize her supporters to vote against the ruling party.