Venezuelans rally for Machado’s return and presidential elections

Hundreds of supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado rallied to demand her safe return and presidential elections. Demonstrations were held in Caracas and state capitals including Valencia, Maracaibo and Merida.

In Caracas, activists wearing sky-blue shirts associated with Machado’s Vente Venezuela party rode motorcycles along the capital’s main avenues, honking and waving Venezuelan flags. The protests coincided with the return of Machado aide Claudia Macero, who had run her press operations.

Supporters welcomed Macero at the airport serving Caracas on Sunday. She said she did not know when Machado could return, adding that the opposition leader was trying to come home but faced a difficult process.

Machado’s return remains uncertain

Machado has been in exile for nine months. Her party said she had made three unsuccessful attempts to return to Venezuela. Opposition activists accuse the government of blocking her return; authorities deny the allegation.

Courts controlled by former President Nicolas Maduro barred Machado from running in the country’s last presidential election. Her stand-in candidate is widely believed to have won almost two-thirds of the vote, but Maduro claimed victory. After protests against the official result, the government cracked down on dissidents, forcing Machado and dozens of opposition figures into hiding.

Talks and pledge of elections

Late last week, Venezuela released more than three dozen political prisoners after a second round of US-backed talks between the interim government and the opposition.

The government is now led by Maduro ally Delcy Rodriguez. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, she said Venezuela would hold elections as part of a transition to “full democracy” but gave no date.