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NewsTelemundo 51 Miami – MainOctober 25, 2026Miami-Dade County

María Corina Machado returns to Venezuela to push for a presidential election

Photo: Telemundo 51 Miami – Main

Opposition leader María Corina Machado announced her return to Venezuela on Sunday following months of exile, aiming to push for a new presidential election. Machado previously left the country after being briefly detained in January 2025 and traveling abroad, while the country's political landscape shifted following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. military.

ElectionsInternational RelationsPolitical OppositionGovernment
Read the full story at Telemundo 51 Miami – Main

Why It Matters

The return of a primary opposition figure directly impacts the political trajectory of Venezuela and international diplomatic relations as opposition groups demand a date for new presidential elections.

Key Facts

  • Opposition leader María Corina Machado announced via social media that she has returned to Venezuela.
  • Machado left the country in December to travel to Norway for the Nobel Peace Prize and remained abroad.
  • Before leaving, Machado had been in hiding since January 9, 2025, following a brief detention during an anti-government protest.
  • The U.S. military captured Nicolás Maduro during a surprise raid in the capital.
  • Machado co-founded the NGO Súmate in 2004, which promoted a referendum to revoke Hugo Chávez.
  • Machado was elected to the National Assembly in 2010 but was later stripped of her seat in 2014 and barred from public office.
  • Edmundo González ran against Maduro in the 2024 election, with opposition records showing him winning by a wide margin before the electoral council declared Maduro the winner.
  • Following Maduro's ouster, the high court stated Delcy Rodríguez could serve as interim president for up to 90 days, an appointment that was not extended by the assembly.
  • U.S. officials denied blocking Machado's return but acknowledged advising her against returning at times due to security concerns.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationConsejo Nacional Electoral“Electoral authority of Venezuela.”OrganizationAsamblea Nacional“Legislative body of Venezuela.”PersonDelcy Rodríguez“Ally of Maduro and interim president appointee.”PersonMaría Corina Machado“Opposition leader who announced her return to Venezuela.”locationVenezuela“Country where Machado returned.”PersonNicolás Maduro“President whose government has been opposed by Machado.”PersonGeorge W. Bush“Former US President who met with Machado.”locationNoruega“Country where Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize.”OrganizationContraloría General“Body that barred Machado from holding public office.”OrganizationSúmate“Non-governmental organization co-founded by Machado.”OrganizationTelemundo51“Social media account sharing updates on the return.”locationEspaña“Country where González went into exile.”locationCaracas“City where protests and detentions took place.”PersonHugo Chávez“Former president of Venezuela.”PersonDonald Trump“US President referenced regarding U.S. policy and relations.”locationWashington“City where Machado spent time while abroad.”OrganizationMesa de la Unidad Democrática“Opposition coalition.”PersonEdmundo González“Ex-diplomat and presidential candidate supported by Machado.”