Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has backed plans for Maria Corina Machado Venezuela elections in 2027, saying the United States has outlined a roadmap towards a democratic transition. Her remarks came during her first major public appearance after returning to the country following months away.
Speaking at a press conference in Caracas on Thursday, Machado said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had described a series of steps leading to presidential elections next year. She pledged to work towards ensuring that every eligible Venezuelan could participate in the vote.
Machado also thanked US President Donald Trump and Rubio for their role in the removal of former President Nicolas Maduro, who was captured during a US operation in January.
Political Transition and Electoral Reforms
Machado’s return could create new challenges for Washington’s engagement with Venezuela. The Trump administration has supported acting President Delcy Rodriguez following Maduro’s capture and backed negotiations between her government and opposition groups on electoral and judicial reforms.
However, Machado’s Vente Venezuela movement has not been included in those discussions.
The opposition leader welcomed Rodriguez’s stated support for elections but said a democratic transition would require political guarantees, transitional justice, a truth commission and reforms to the country’s security forces.
She avoided directly commenting on Trump’s earlier remarks questioning her immediate leadership prospects and his suggestion that Venezuela could become the 51st US state.
Machado Calls for Transparent Energy Agreements
Machado also raised concerns about transparency in Venezuela’s oil, gas and mining sectors. She called for open bidding, transparent contracts and international arbitration in future investment agreements.
She questioned the transparency of a deal involving North American Blue Energy Partners, which reportedly reached an agreement with the US government to export production from 17 Venezuelan oil fields. Although she said she had not reviewed the contract, she argued that it did not appear to meet public expectations.
Machado said legally signed agreements would be respected, while some could be renegotiated under improved conditions. She also called for an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to address Venezuela’s debt and humanitarian needs.
Political Prisoners Remain a Major Concern
The release of political prisoners was another key demand. According to Foro Penal, 322 political prisoners remain incarcerated, with more than half yet to be convicted. Around 11,000 others reportedly face restrictions, including house arrest.
Rodriguez said more than 9,000 people had been released or had legal restrictions lifted under a limited amnesty law.
Machado also visited her lawyer, Perkins Rocha, who remains under house arrest after spending 18 months in prison following his arrest in the aftermath of the 2024 elections.
Machado returned to Venezuela on Sunday after spending more than a year in hiding and facing difficulties in coming back. She was barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election, while the opposition declared its chosen candidate the winner based on its own vote tallies. Venezuela’s institutions, however, backed Maduro.
Relevant Link: Venezuelan government and public information
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