Venezuelans rally for opposition leader’s return and presidential elections

Hundreds of supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado rallied in Caracas and other cities to demand her safe return and presidential elections. Machado, living in exile for nine months, has had multiple attempts to return to Venezuela thwarted, with activists accusing the government of blocking her, a claim authorities deny. The demonstrations, organized by Machado's Vente Venezuela party, aim for a democratic transition in a country where the government faces accusations of election fraud and suppressing freedoms. These rallies follow the recent release of over three dozen political prisoners after US-backed talks between the interim government and the opposition.

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado rallied across Venezuela on Sunday, demanding her safe return and presidential elections for a democratic transition. Hundreds of activists, wearing sky blue shirts, demonstrated in Caracas and other state capitals, honking horns and waving flags. Machado has been living in exile for nine months, with her attempts to return reportedly blocked by the government, a claim authorities deny. Machado was previously barred from running in the last presidential election, though her stand-in candidate is believed to have won. Activists expressed hope that this process will lead to presidential elections and a free, democratic country allied with the United States.