Machado wins renewed opposition backing for a democratic transition
Venezuela’s opposition coalition renewed its backing for María Corina Machado and presented 14 proposals for a democratic transition. Free elections, the release of political prisoners and the safe return of exiles are among its demands. The initiative comes as another opposition faction holds talks with interim President Delcy Rodríguez’s government, without Machado taking part.
Geopolitics··Morning
Coalition puts presidential elections first
Venezuela’s Unitary Democratic Platform, an alliance of opposition parties, renewed its support for María Corina Machado at a meeting in Caracas on 18 October. Its 14-point agreement called for free, competitive and verifiable elections in a peaceful democratic transition, giving priority to the presidential vote. Biagio Pilieri read the agreement while Machado joined remotely.[1], [2]
The coalition also demanded freedom for political parties, the release of political prisoners and safe return for exiles. Former presidential candidate Edmundo González backed the proposals and called for political imprisonment and persecution to end.[1]
Machado remains abroad after an election ban
Machado won the opposition primary in 2023, but courts upheld a fifteen-year public-office ban in January 2024. González replaced her on the presidential ballot. Maduro declared victory in that election, while opposition vote tallies appeared to show González had won; the United States recognized him as president-elect.[1]
Machado left Venezuela last December to receive her Nobel Peace Prize and has lived abroad since. Her party, Vente Venezuela, says authorities have blocked her attempts to return.[1]
Government talks proceed with another opposition faction
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has led Venezuela since the US military operation that captured Nicolás Maduro on 3 January. Maduro’s party remained in power, and Donald Trump has supported Rodríguez. A third round of talks began this month with representatives of the opposition-majority 2015 National Assembly, dissolved under Maduro. Machado is outside those talks, which the US State Department has supported as preparation for credible elections and a democratic transition.[1]
