Machado returns to Venezuela and calls for free elections

The opposition leader appeared in Lara after nearly 10 months abroad; no date has been announced for a presidential election.

Machado’s first public appearance was at a sanctuary in Lara state.¹
RTVE reported she was in Caracas, while AP had earlier said she was travelling there.²³
Her return has not been followed by an announced election date.³

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado returned to the country on Sunday after nearly 10 months abroad, calling for free elections. She announced her arrival on social media with the words “Estoy aquí. Con ustedes” — “I am here. With you”.³

Machado’s first public appearance was at the Divina Pastora sanctuary in Santa Rosa, Lara state. Local outlet El Impulso published video of her arrival, credited to her party, Vente Venezuela.¹ The Associated Press reported that she left the church and headed towards Caracas. RTVE later said it had confirmed she was in the capital, but neither report established her precise location there.³²

No date has been announced for a presidential election. Acting president Delcy Rodríguez said in September that elections would be held, leaving the timing open, according to AP. Machado won the opposition primary in 2023 but was barred from the 2024 presidential ballot; Edmundo González stood in her place.³

Machado has been outside the government-opposition dialogue, EL PAÍS reported. Ruling-party dialogue representative Jorge Arreaza said the process should create conditions for political activity without excessive confrontation; the report did not present his comment as a direct response from Rodríguez to Machado’s return.⁴

Machado returns to Venezuela and calls for free elections

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