Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado held rallies across the country on Sunday, calling for her safe return and free elections. The demonstrations were organized by supporters of opposition parties Vente Venezuela and Primero Justicia. Videos showed demonstrators carrying Venezuelan flags and riding in motorcycle convoys through the streets of several cities.
Machado has been unable to return to Venezuela since traveling to Oslo in December to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. According to media reports, this is her seventh unsuccessful attempt to return to the country. She is currently in Panama. The rallies were a show of support for Machado and a call for a clear timetable for presidential elections in 2027.
Protesters chanted slogans, including “Freedom, freedom!” as they demanded Machado's safe return and free elections. The opposition leader's absence has been felt in Venezuela, with many of her supporters calling for her return. The country's current leadership has been in a state of flux since US forces captured authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro during a military operation in Caracas in January.
Since Maduro's capture, the country has been led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who served as Maduro's vice president and has worked closely with Washington. Rodríguez has been instrumental in navigating the country's transition, but many Venezuelans are calling for Machado's return and free elections.
The rallies were a testament to the enduring support for Machado and the opposition movement in Venezuela. Despite the challenges she has faced, Machado remains a key figure in Venezuelan politics, and her supporters are determined to see her return to the country. The international community has been watching the situation closely, with many calling for free and fair elections.
The situation in Venezuela remains complex, with many different factions vying for power. However, the rallies on Sunday showed that Machado's supporters remain committed to their cause and will continue to push for her return and free elections. The country's future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Machado's supporters will not give up.
The rallies also highlighted the ongoing challenges facing Venezuela, including the need for free and fair elections. The country's leadership has been criticized for its handling of the electoral process, and many are calling for reforms. Machado's return and participation in the electoral process could be a key step towards resolving the country's challenges.
Key points
- Machado has made seven unsuccessful attempts to return to Venezuela since traveling to Oslo in December to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
- The rallies were organized by supporters of opposition parties Vente Venezuela and Primero Justicia.
- Protesters called for a clear timetable for presidential elections in 2027 and chanted slogans, including “Freedom, freedom!”
