Manuel Rosales is a classic within the confines of the Venezuelan opposition. In 2006 he faced Hugo Chávez in a presidential election and lost.

In 2009 he went into exile in Peru fleeing accusations of corruption made by Chavismo. In 2014 he was arrested and imprisoned in El Helicoide, the political prison par excellence of Caracas. Upon leaving prison he presented his candidacy for governor and defeated the ruling party. Rosales, who has called for the end of international sanctions imposed on Venezuela, is one of the few opponents who has a direct connection to the presidential residence.