Venezuelans Rally for Machado's Return and Free Presidential Elections
On Sunday, a large group of activists in Caracas wore bright blue shirts to show their support for María Corina Machado's Vente Venezuela party. They gathered on motorcycles and in cars, making noise and waving Venezuelan flags in major streets. Similar protests occurred in cities like Valencia, Maracaibo, and Merida. The protesters were demanding Machado's safe return and the organization of presidential elections to help Venezuela transition to democracy. After being in exile for nine months, Machado has faced numerous challenges trying to come back, which opposition members say are due to government interference—something officials deny. A Vente Venezuela supporter, Flavio Valentini, emphasized, "This is not about parties; it’s about the people."
Key facts
- Supporters of María Corina Machado rallied in Venezuela on Sunday demanding her safe return and presidential elections.
- Hundreds of activists in Caracas wore sky blue shirts, the color of Machado's Vente Venezuela party, and rode motorcycles through main avenues.
- Similar demonstrations took place in state capitals including Valencia, Maracaibo and Merida.
- Machado has been living in exile for nine months and has been repeatedly blocked from re-entering Venezuela.
- Opposition activists accuse the Venezuelan government of blocking her return; authorities deny the claim.
- The government has been widely accused of stealing elections, jailing dissidents and stifling freedom of speech.
- Flavio Valentini, a Vente Venezuela activist in Caracas, addressed the crowd via megaphone.
- Valentini stated the movement is "for the people and by the people," not about parties or politics.
Entities
Artists
- María Corina Machado
- Flavio Valentini
Institutions
- Vente Venezuela
Locations
- Venezuela
- Caracas
- Valencia
- Maracaibo
- Merida