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Venezuelans demand Machado return and transition to democracy

Sep 28, 2026, 6:42am EDT
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Demonstrators argue with police officers during a rally in support of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
Juan Carlos Hernandez/Reuters

Demonstrators took to the streets of Caracas to demand the opposition leader María Corina Machado’s return to Venezuela, as fears grow that Washington is deprioritizing a transition to democracy.

The US, which has de facto control of Venezuela, has vowed to stabilize the economy before pushing for elections; leaders of both countries reportedly discussed holding a vote over the weekend, though details were scant.

Critics, however, say the country is ready to end almost three decades of Chavista rule and Machado should be allowed to return. “This is not a matter of parties or politics,” an activist said at the Caracas rally. “This is a movement for the people and by the people.”

A chart showing which candidate Venezuelans would vote for if elections were held now.
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