Venezuelans demand opposition leader Machado's return

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado held a rally on Sunday demanding her safe return and for fair presidential elections in Venezuela.

Her supporters joined the rally wearing sky-blue shirts which is the color of Machado's Vente Venezuela party and rode motorcycles through the streets in Caracas.

Similar rallies were held in several state capitals including Valencia, Maracaibo and Merida.

"This is not a matter of parties or politics," said Flavio Valentini, a Vente Venezuela activist in Caracas who grabbed a megaphone and addressed the crowd.

"This is a movement for the people and by the people."

The demonstrators demanded a clear timeline for presidential elections in 2027 and chanted slogans including "Freedom, freedom!"

Machado's return from exile

For the past nine months, Machado has been living in exile. Last year in December, Machado left for Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Since then she has tried returning to Venezuela multiple times.

Machado, who is currently in Panama, has so far made seven unsuccessful attempts to return, according to media reports.

Activists allege the Venezuelan government keeps blocking her return, however, Venezuelan authorities deny the claim.

Venezuelans want elections — but when will they get them?

Courts had barred Machado from running in elections under the government of President Nicolás Maduro. But her stand-in candidate is widely believed to have won the election.

Maduro refuted the election results. After his disputed victory, his government led a crackdown against dissidents who protested the official results, forcing Machado and dozens of opposition leaders to flee.

The US captured Maduro in January. But Machado has been unable to return to Venezuela since then.

Currently, the country is being led by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who has worked closely with Washington.

"We hope this transition process leads us to presidential elections and consolidates a free, democratic country that will be the main ally of the United States," said Anthony Romero, a leader for Vente Venezuela in the nation's capital.