Protests Demand Free Elections
Venezuelans Rally Nationwide Demanding MarÃa Corina Machado's Return and Free Elections
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Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader MarÃa Corina Machado rallied in several cities, calling for her safe return from exile and free presidential elections as a path to restoring democracy. Demonstrators rode motorcycle convoys and waved Venezuelan flags; some called for an election timetable and the release of political prisoners. Machado’s supporters say the government has repeatedly prevented her return, an allegation authorities deny, and the opposition says she has made several unsuccessful attempts. The protests come amid continuing concerns about political repression: hundreds of detainees have reportedly been released in recent months, while human rights groups say more than 300 political prisoners remain in custody.
Key Points
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Machado had been unable to return since traveling to Oslo in December to receive the Nobel Peace Prize; one report said she was in Panama and had made seven unsuccessful return attempts.
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Protesters called for a clear timetable for presidential elections in 2027. Demonstrations included supporters of both Vente Venezuela and Primero Justicia.
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The reports say Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces during a military operation in Caracas in January, after which Delcy RodrÃguez became acting president. RodrÃguez, previously Maduro’s vice president, has worked closely with Washington and is viewed by the opposition as part of the old authoritarian system.
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In Maracaibo, opposition politician and former political prisoner Juan Pablo Guanipa called for Machado’s return, immediate free elections and the release of all political prisoners.
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Machado was barred from the last presidential election by courts under Maduro’s control; her stand-in candidate was widely believed to have won nearly two-thirds of the vote, although Maduro claimed victory.
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