Maduro Opponent Machado Vows to Return to Venezuela, Calls for Elections
World 03:04 PM - 2026-01-06
Photograph by Jesus Vargas / Getty Images
María Corina Machado.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has pledged to return to Venezuela “as soon as possible”, renewing calls for a free and fair election as the country remains mired in political turmoil.
Speaking in an interview published on Tuesday, Machado said her return would be aimed at pushing for democratic change and restoring the Venezuelan people’s right to choose their leaders at the ballot box. She insisted that President Nicolás Maduro’s government lacks legitimacy and argued that the opposition would win decisively if elections were conducted transparently.
Machado, a former lawmaker and one of the most prominent figures in the opposition movement, has been barred from holding public office by Venezuelan authorities. Despite this, she emerged as the clear favourite in opposition primaries last year, consolidating her position as a key challenger to Maduro’s long-standing rule.
She has spent recent months outside Venezuela amid mounting pressure on opposition figures, including arrests, investigations and travel restrictions. Maduro’s government has repeatedly accused opposition leaders of conspiring with foreign powers, allegations they strongly deny.
Venezuela has faced years of economic collapse, mass emigration and international sanctions, with Western governments questioning the credibility of past elections. The opposition argues that any political settlement must include guarantees for electoral integrity, the release of political prisoners and the lifting of bans against candidates.
Machado said she remains committed to a peaceful, democratic transition and urged the international community to continue pressing for credible elections. The government has yet to respond to her latest remarks.
Sources: Reuters, Geo News, and Al Jazeera
PUKMEDIA
More news
-
PUK’s Darbaz Kosrat Rasul Meets Iranian Consul General on Regional Affairs
09:47 PM - 2026-01-07 -
PUK’s Darbaz Kosrat Meets French CG to Discuss Regional Developments
09:10 PM - 2026-01-07 -
Asayish Reports Alleged Use of Civilians as Human Shields in Aleppo
07:32 PM - 2026-01-07 -
Iraq Completes Repatriation Procedures for 151 Citizens from Libya
03:28 PM - 2026-01-07
see more
Iraq 12:01 AM - 2026-01-08 Iraqi President and First Lady Attend Cyprus EU Council Presidency Opening Ceremony
SOHR Warns of Civilian Risks as Aleppo’s Kurdish Districts Face Heavy Attacks
11:31 PM - 2026-01-07
PUK President Calls for Calm and Dialogue Amid Tensions in Rojava
08:21 PM - 2026-01-07
Ilham Ahmed Warns of Escalation in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh
03:22 PM - 2026-01-07
Iraqi MPs to Tackle Seven Crucial Issues in Upcoming Sessions
12:36 PM - 2026-01-07
Most read
-
Iraqi MPs to Tackle Seven Crucial Issues in Upcoming Sessions
Iraq 12:36 PM - 2026-01-07 -
PUK President Calls for Calm and Dialogue Amid Tensions in Rojava
P.U.K 08:21 PM - 2026-01-07 -
Saudi-Led Coalition Says Southern Separatist Leader Fled as Tensions Rise in Yemen
World 10:16 AM - 2026-01-07 -
Central Bank Confirms Official Dollar Rate Remains Steady at 1,320 Dinars
Iraq 10:38 AM - 2026-01-07 -
Iraqi President and First Lady Depart for Official Visit to Cyprus
Iraq 10:27 AM - 2026-01-07 -
Iraq Faces Rain, Snow, and Falling Temperatures Over Coming Days
Kurdistan 10:23 AM - 2026-01-07 -
Iraq Completes Repatriation Procedures for 151 Citizens from Libya
Iraq 03:28 PM - 2026-01-07 -
Ilham Ahmed Warns of Escalation in Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh
Kurdistan 03:22 PM - 2026-01-07






Application

