Mariaquinha Machado, the leader of the Venezuelan opposition, announced on Thursday that the country is moving towards the presidential elections of 2027 proposed by the United States. This statement is her first public comment after returning from 10 months of exile.
Election as Freedom
Machado said in Caracas, after returning home, to reporters: "The date of the elections is the date of freedom." She also emphasized that Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, has outlined the necessary steps for a transition to democracy, which includes holding presidential elections in 2027.
Machado also stated that her priorities include dismantling the country's repressive system and freeing thousands of political prisoners. She denied rumors about her contact with Delcy Rodríguez, the interim president of Venezuela.
Positioning Against Oil Agreements
While Machado was making these statements, Rodríguez announced that "elections" would be held in Venezuela, without specifying a date. Machado, who is known for nominating Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, thanked him for actions that she said have "opened the gate of freedom" in Venezuela.
Machado also criticized the major oil agreement that Washington and Caracas signed earlier this year, an agreement under which Venezuela is expected to provide 20% of its oil reserves to the United States. She said: "This agreement does not reflect the level of transparency that Venezuelan society wants."
Machado also dodged questions referring to Trump's statements in January. Trump had said that he does not have enough support for immediate leadership in Venezuela and also indicated that the country might become the 51st state of the United States.
Machado, who has been barred from participating in the 2024 presidential elections, supported opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez. Her supporters claimed that Gonzalez won by a large margin, although Maduro's electoral officials declared him the winner.
Machado's recent return after nearly a year of exile complicates the situation for Washington. The United States has stated that Machado has the right to be present in Venezuela, but has also expressed appreciation for Rodríguez, the current president.
