María Corina Machado, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, called for an immediate establishment of a specific electoral timetable for presidential elections in Venezuela within the coming year. This demand was articulated in an opinion piece published by the New York Post on Sunday and later shared in Spanish by her political party, Vente Venezuela.
The opposition leader emphasized that setting a date is the essential next step in solidifying the political progress made after Nicolás Maduro's capture on January 3, 2026.
"The next strategic move is to schedule the presidential elections within the next year, accompanied by a roadmap outlining necessary reforms to ensure the elections are free and fair," Machado asserted.
She argued that having a clear timeline would provide Venezuelans with a framework to organize and engage in the electoral process, dismissing concerns that elections might lead to instability. Instead, Machado believes it would have the opposite effect.
"Venezuelans need to know when," she declared, pointing out that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has consistently advocated for free elections in Venezuela.
Machado also expressed the urgency of her return to Venezuela to bolster civic organization and foster an agreement between civilian and military sectors.
"I need to be there," she stated, revealing plans to travel across Venezuela to prepare the nation for institutional and economic reconstruction.
She cautioned that despite Maduro's capture, the Chavista regime still wields significant power.
"That regime retains considerable control. If pressure eases while they maintain de facto power, they will revert to their old ways," Machado warned.
On the economic front, Machado projected that Venezuela could boost its oil production to over five million barrels per day with investments approximating $200 billion. However, this outlook depends on legal security, contract respect, and the rule of law.
"Venezuela will honor contracts, protect private property, and build a lasting strategic alliance with the United States," she promised.
This article comes amid mounting pressure on Delcy Rodríguez's government, which pledged to the UN that "elections will be held in Venezuela," yet failed to specify a date or schedule, claiming elections would occur "when Venezuela is ready."
Rodríguez's approval ratings have plummeted: according to AtlasIntel data reported by Bloomberg, only 24.6% of Venezuelans support her administration, while 60.5% disapprove.
Machado's return to Venezuela remains obstructed. Recently, her team reported attempts to return from Panama have been thwarted, with flights unable to land in Bonaire, Aruba, and Curaçao. The Chavista negotiator, Jorge Rodríguez, denied involvement in the blockades.
Machado referenced the July 28, 2024, election, where the opposition supported Edmundo González Urrutia's candidacy following her disqualification, claiming victory amid allegations of widespread fraud.
The proposal to set July 24, 2027—Simón Bolívar's birthday—as the election date, advocated by Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, has Machado's public endorsement. She views this timeline as a path to turn Maduro's capture into a lasting strategic win.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Political Future
What is María Corina Machado demanding for Venezuela's elections?
María Corina Machado is demanding the establishment of a specific timetable for presidential elections in Venezuela to be held within the next year, along with necessary reforms to ensure they are free and fair.
Why does Machado consider her return to Venezuela urgent?
Machado believes her return is crucial to strengthen civic organization and promote an agreement between civilian and military sectors, preparing the nation for future institutional and economic reconstruction.
What economic potential does Machado see for Venezuela?
Machado envisions Venezuela could produce over five million barrels of oil daily with investments of around $200 billion, contingent upon legal security, contract respect, and adherence to the rule of law.