Caracas protesters demand elections, back Machado

Dozens of demonstrators took to the streets of Caracas on Thursday to press for transparent and democratic elections and to express support for opposition leader María Corina Machado.

The marchers moved through the capital toward government offices, carrying Venezuelan flags and signs that rejected the legitimacy of acting president Delcy Rodríguez. Some placards read that Rodríguez does not represent them and described the authorities as usurpers, while others demanded elections immediately.

A large banner bearing Machado's image was carried during the march, and protesters chanted slogans calling for her return. Several demonstrators gathered outside the National Electoral Council (CNE) building, holding signs that called for respect for Machado and for immediate presidential elections.

Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was barred from contesting Venezuela's 2024 presidential election. She instead backed former diplomat Edmundo González, whom the opposition says won, despite electoral authorities declaring Nicolás Maduro the winner.

Protesters also criticised recent political developments and foreign diplomatic engagements, with some speakers voicing objections to negotiations they described as illegitimate and expressing concern about the country's assets. The demonstrators said they wanted Machado back and demanded respect for democratic principles and electoral rights.

In her first address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Venezuela would hold elections but that its people would decide the "right moment," without announcing a date.