Venezuela’s political crisis has entered a new phase after opposition leader Maria Corina Machado vowed to return to the country and press for fresh elections following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Maria Corina Machado said that she is ready to lead a democratic transition and believes her movement can secure an overwhelming victory if Venezuelans are allowed to vote freely.
Her remarks come at a time of deep uncertainty in Caracas, with Socialist Party loyalists still holding power and Washington signalling a cautious approach to the post-Maduro transition.
Maria Corina Machado Wants Free & Fair Elections in Venezuela
Machado has made elections the centrepiece of her political message. She insists the opposition already proved its strength in 2024 and says a genuinely democratic vote would deliver a decisive mandate.
“We believe that this transition should move forward,” she said in an interview. “We won an election (in 2024) by a landslide under fraudulent conditions. In free and fair elections, we will win over 90% of the votes.”
She argues that restoring electoral integrity is essential to rebuilding trust in Venezuela’s institutions and reversing years of authoritarian rule.
Who is Maria Corina Machado?
Maria Corina Machado is Venezuela’s most prominent opposition figure and one of the strongest critics of the socialist governments led by Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. The 58-year-old industrial engineer and mother of three has spent years mobilising opposition support in a country marked by economic collapse, mass migration, and political repression.
Machado was barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election, a move widely criticised by international observers. An ally ran in her place and claimed victory, but the results were disputed amid allegations of fraud. Despite legal restrictions and threats of arrest, Machado emerged as the symbolic leader of the opposition.
In October, she fled Venezuela in disguise to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, where she dedicated the award to the US President Donald Trump. Since then, she has remained in exile but continued to shape opposition strategy from abroad.
Maria Corina Machado Plans to Return to Venezuela
Machado confirmed she plans to return home “as soon as possible,” though she declined to give details about timing or location. She remains wanted by Venezuelan authorities, and security risks remain high.
Socialist Party loyalists still control key institutions, and recent days have seen arrests and crackdowns on those accused of cooperating with the US forces during Maduro’s capture. Despite these risks, Machado says her presence inside Venezuela is necessary to lead a real political transition.
Rejection of Interim Leadership
Machado strongly criticised interim President Delcy Rodríguez, calling her unfit to lead the country. “Delcy Rodriguez, as you know, is one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, and narco-trafficking,” Machado said. “She’s really rejected by the Venezuelan people.”
Rodríguez, a close Maduro ally, has called for cooperation with Washington and denounced Maduro’s detention. Machado’s rejection highlights the deep split between the opposition and figures still linked to the former regime.
Praise for Trump, Uncertainty From US
Machado praised Trump for authorising the operation that led to Maduro’s capture, calling it a historic moment. “January 3rd will go down in history as the day justice defeated a tyranny,” she said.
However, she acknowledged she has not spoken to Trump since October. The US president has publicly questioned the feasibility of holding elections quickly, saying Venezuela needs stability before voters can safely go to the polls.
What Comes Next for Venezuela?
Machado says a democratic Venezuela could restore the rule of law, reopen markets, bring back millions of exiles, and turn the country into an energy hub for the Americas. Yet major obstacles remain, including political prisoners, fragile security conditions, and divided international backing.
For now, her vow to return and her demand for elections place her firmly at the centre of Venezuela’s uncertain future — whether or not global powers choose to support her path forward.
