Venezuelans rally to demand opposition leader’s safe return and presidential elections

On Sunday, Venezuelans rallied across the country demanding the safe return of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from exile and calling for presidential elections that could facilitate a democratic transition in Venezuela. In Caracas, hundreds of supporters donned sky blue shirts, the color of her Vente Venezuela party, riding motorcycles through main avenues to protest. Similar demonstrations occurred in other state capitals such as Valencia, Maracaibo, and Merida. Activists accused the government of blocking Machado's return after nine months in exile, alleging widespread election tampering, political imprisonment, and suppression of free speech. One protester stated, "This is not a matter of parties or politics; this is a movement for the people and by the people." Meanwhile, concerns arise over Washington's prioritization of economic stabilization over democratic transition efforts in Venezuela.