Venezuelans demand opposition leader Machado's return

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's supporters rallied in Caracas on Sunday, calling for her safe return and fair presidential elections in the country. The Vente Venezuela party, to which Machado belongs, is represented by supporters wearing sky-blue shirts. Similar protests took place in various state capitals, including Valencia, Maracaibo, and Merida.

Flavio Valentini, an activist from Vente Venezuela, addressed the crowds, emphasizing that this is a movement for the people, not just a political party. The demonstrators demanded a clear timeline for the 2027 presidential elections and chanted slogans like "Freedom, freedom!" Machado, who has been living in exile for the past nine months, has undergone seven unsuccessful attempts to return to Venezuela, according to media reports. She is currently in Panama.

Activists claim that the Venezuelan government obstructs her attempts to return, but Venezuelan authorities deny these allegations. Courts previously barred Machado from participating in elections under President Nicolás Maduro's government. However, her stand-in candidate is believed to have won the election, which Maduro has denied. Following the disputed victory, his government carried out a crackdown on protesters, forcing Machado and numerous opposition leaders to flee.

The United States captured Maduro in January, but Machado has been unable to return to Venezuela since then. The country is now under the leadership of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who has cooperated closely with Washington. Anthony Romero, a leader for Vente Venezuela in Caracas, expressed hope that the transition process will lead to presidential elections and establish a free, democratic country as a key ally of the United States.