This Thursday, Venezuelan citizens flooded the streets of Caracas to demand an election timetable and advocate for the return of opposition leader María Corina Machado, as reported by journalist Orlando Avendaño through his social media channels.
Chants of “Out, Delcy! Out, Delcy!” and “Elections now!” echoed through the crowd, with participants waving Venezuelan flags, holding signs featuring Machado's image, and banners with messages like “Hungry for freedom.”
The demonstration came just a day after interim president Delcy Rodríguez held a brief meeting with Donald Trump in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The 15-minute encounter was labeled “historic” by the Chavista regime, although a survey released on Thursday showed a 91% disapproval rate among Venezuelans for the meeting.
In her speech at the UN, Rodríguez claimed that “there will be elections in Venezuela” and spoke of a “democratic transformation,” yet she failed to provide a date or any schedule. Marco Rubio disclosed that the meeting with Trump addressed Venezuela's sovereign debt restructuring, economic stabilization, and a political transition towards free and fair elections in the country.
The unrest in the streets also mirrors the growing frustration over Machado's repeated unsuccessful attempts to return to Venezuelan soil. On Wednesday, the opposition leader endeavored to enter the country from Panama three times within 24 hours but was unsuccessful, her team told the EFE news agency. These attempts brought the total number of failed returns to at least seven since she left Venezuela in December 2025.
Ana Corina Sosa, the opposition leader's daughter, warned on Wednesday that her mother's return faces “serious obstacles,” while Machado had publicly promised an “imminent” return in mid-September, reiterating her view that the country's democratic transition remains “unfinished.”
This Thursday's mobilizations are part of a wave of protests that have intensified throughout September, with previous marches on the 3rd, 17th, and 23rd of the month, all sharing the same core demands. The Chavista regime, which has clung to power without calling new elections since the capture of Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, has systematically blocked Machado's return and avoids committing to specific election dates.
Rodríguez had already made her position clear at the beginning of September: “There will be an electoral process, but under the conditions in which Venezuela is prepared. I do not set dates.”
Understanding the Political Turmoil in Venezuela
Why are Venezuelans demanding elections?
Venezuelans are calling for elections to establish a democratic government and end the Chavista regime's prolonged hold on power without legitimate electoral processes.
What challenges does María Corina Machado face in returning to Venezuela?
María Corina Machado encounters significant obstacles, including government blockades that prevent her from entering the country, as part of the regime's efforts to stifle opposition voices.
What was discussed in the meeting between Delcy Rodríguez and Donald Trump?
The meeting addressed Venezuela's sovereign debt restructuring, economic stabilization, and a political transition towards free and fair elections, aiming to resolve the ongoing political crisis.