Opposition leader María Corina Machado returned to Venezuela on Sunday after nearly 11 months abroad, signaling a renewed effort to challenge the government led by interim President Delcy Rodríguez. Machado, who has vowed to end Rodríguez’s rule, called for free and fair elections as a means to resolve the country’s ongoing political and economic crises.
Machado’s return comes amid a complex political landscape. While the United States has publicly supported her push for democratic change, it has simultaneously maintained working relations with the Rodríguez administration, particularly on oil agreements. In August, the two governments approved a deal granting a Venezuelan businessman linked to regime figures the rights to develop significant oil reserves, a move Machado criticized as detrimental to Venezuela’s interests.
Machado seeks to accelerate the electoral process, which she believes has been slowed by protracted U.S.-backed talks aimed at transition. She proposes a nationwide campaign across Venezuela’s 23 states to rally public support for new presidential elections slated for 2027. According to a September poll by Meganálisis, Machado would secure a decisive victory if elections were held now, receiving 61% of the vote compared to less than 7% for Rodríguez or other contenders.
Her strategy relies heavily on direct engagement with voters, including visits to small communities to rebuild momentum following the 2024 nationwide voter turnout that tipped the scales against Nicolás Maduro, who was overthrown by U.S. forces earlier this year. Machado has characterized Rodríguez’s government as chaotic and incapable of leading Venezuela toward economic recovery and stability.
Security remains a significant concern for Machado. Venezuelan officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, have publicly expressed hostility toward her, and her initial return was met with warnings from government figures indicating potential repercussions for her previous support of the January raid that removed Maduro. Machado currently depends on private security forces, some consisting of former Venezuelan military personnel, given that state-controlled security services are unlikely to provide protection.
The broader Venezuelan population continues to grapple with the fallout from years of economic collapse, which has driven more than eight million people to leave the country. A recent national survey by DatinCorp found that 51% of respondents identified inflation, low wages, and unemployment as the country’s most pressing issues. In terms of political priorities, the same survey indicated a nearly even split between those favoring free and fair elections (35%) and those prioritizing economic rebuilding.
Overall, public sentiment, as reflected in the September Meganálisis poll, leans toward urgent electoral change, with a majority of Venezuelans expressing the desire to see the current government removed through democratic means. Machado has positioned herself as the candidate capable of delivering this transition, arguing that only a democratically elected administration can attract the foreign investment necessary to rejuvenate Venezuela’s economy and encourage the return of those displaced.