Venezuela's Exiled Opposition Leader Vows to Return Home and Run for President

Maria Corina Machado, an opposition leader in exile, vowed to return before the end of 2026 and said she would run for president again. She stated that her coalition remains committed to a democratic transition through free and fair presidential elections that allow all Venezuelans, including those abroad, to vote. She said she would be a candidate but that others could also run. She estimated that meeting democratic standards would require seven to nine months of preparation, including appointing neutral election officials, updating voter rolls, and guaranteeing opposition candidates can compete freely. Her remarks came amid U.S. actions involving Nicolas Maduro and expanded U.S. access to Venezuela’s oil.

"“I will be a candidate, but there may be others, of course. I would love to compete with everyone, with anyone who wants to be a candidate.”"

"“Any credible presidential vote would require extensive preparation. She estimated that an election meeting democratic standards would take between seven and nine months to organize, including the appointment of neutral election officials, updated voter rolls and guarantees allowing opposition candidates to compete freely.”"

"“Machado said her political coalition remained committed to a democratic transition through free and fair presidential elections that would allow all Venezuelans inside and outside the country vote.”"

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