Venezuela hardliner Machado barred from public office for a year

Venezuelan hardline opposition leader Maria Corina Machado (Photo: Courtesy)

Caracas: Venezuelan hardline opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Tuesday she had been barred from public office for a year, a move that could prevent her from becoming a congresswoman if she wins a seat in December's parliamentary election.

Machado has 15 days to appeal the decision, according to the letter from the comptroller's office she posted on Twitter. The decision would still allow her to run for parliament.