Venezuelans Rally for Machado's Return and Presidential Elections

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado rallied in Caracas and other major cities on Sunday, demanding her safe return from exile and the holding of presidential elections. Hundreds of activists wearing sky blue shirts — the color of Machado's Vente Venezuela party — drove in convoys through main avenues in the capital, honking horns and waving flags. Similar demonstrations took place in state capitals including Valencia, Maracaibo, and Merida.

Activist Flavio Valentini told the crowd in Caracas that the movement transcends party politics and represents the people. Machado has been living in exile in Panama for the past nine months. Her party, Vente Venezuela, stated that authorities have blocked her return on seven occasions, including three failed attempts last Monday night alone. Venezuelan authorities deny blocking her return.

“This is not a matter of parties or politics. This is a movement for the people and by the people.”

Many observers allege a U.S. veto is preventing Machado's return, a claim U.S. authorities deny. Former President Nicolas Maduro was removed by a U.S. military operation in January, and interim President Delcy Rodriguez has since led the government. Machado was barred from running in the last presidential election by courts aligned with Maduro, though her stand-in candidate is widely believed to have won nearly two-thirds of the vote. Maduro claimed victory regardless, triggering a violent crackdown that forced Machado and other opposition leaders into hiding.