María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, has sent a message to her followers expressing fears for her life and the safety of her team following a severe crackdown by Nicolás Maduro's regime. "I write this from hiding, fearing for my life, my freedom, and that of my compatriots under the dictatorship led by Nicolás Maduro," she stated in an article published in the Opinion section of The Wall Street Journal on Thursday.
Machado continued, "Mr. Maduro did not win the Venezuelan presidential elections held on Sunday." She emphasized, as she has repeatedly since July 28, that Maduro "lost overwhelmingly to Edmundo González, with 67% of the votes compared to 30%," and she claims she can prove it. "I have receipts obtained directly from more than 80% of the country's polling stations," she noted in the article.
Furthermore, she declared that the opposition command was aware of Maduro's fraud. "We have known for years what tricks the regime uses," she warned.
Opposition Movement's Growth
Machado pointed out that "the regime could never have imagined that our movement would grow in numbers and slowly take over the entire voting base of Chavismo," referring to those "tired of a quarter-century of division, hatred, and ideology."
She detailed the efforts made by the opposition to demonstrate the irregularities in the election results, stating that "evidence of this blatant fraud has been provided to heads of state worldwide."
Machado reiterated her call for the international community to reject Maduro's government and insisted that "the repression must stop immediately to facilitate an urgent agreement for a transition to democracy."
Since the National Electoral Council authorities, an entity controlled by Chavismo, declared Nicolás Maduro the winner of the election, fraud allegations have mobilized a portion of the nation, particularly led by María Corina Machado.
The opposition coalition published voting records they managed to safeguard from polling stations to demonstrate the fraud. "Venezuelans, through this link, you can see how, with your vote and your will, you changed Venezuela's history. Here you will find the records we have processed and totaled so far, confirming our extraordinary victory," the opposition leader noted in a tweet on Tuesday.
Regarding the violence unleashed by Maduro's regime, which has deployed military forces to repress the population rejecting his proclaimed victory, Machado stated, "Venezuela and the entire world know that violence is Maduro's regime's last resort," highlighting the desperate nature of the government's actions.
She emphasized that these crimes would not go unpunished and extended her solidarity to the families of the victims, the imprisoned, and the persecuted for defending the electoral victory.
Key Points about María Corina Machado's Claims
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding María Corina Machado's recent statements and the political situation in Venezuela.
What evidence does María Corina Machado have to support her claims of electoral fraud?
María Corina Machado claims to have receipts from more than 80% of Venezuela's polling stations that demonstrate Edmundo González won with 67% of the vote.
How has the international community responded to the allegations of fraud in Venezuela?
The international community has received evidence of the alleged fraud, and Machado has called for global leaders to reject Nicolás Maduro's government and support a transition to democracy.
What actions has Nicolás Maduro's regime taken against the opposition?
Maduro's regime has deployed military forces to repress the population and opposition leaders, resulting in violence and persecution.