Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has said she believes elections could be held later this year in Venezuela, provided a credible transition process begins soon. Speaking to Politico in an interview released on Thursday, Machado expressed cautious optimism about the prospects of a democratic vote following recent political developments in the country.
“We believe that a real transferring process with manual voting … could be done in nine to 10 months,” Machado said. “But that depends on when you start.”
Opposition Claims Strong Mandate
Machado’s comments come amid heightened political churn in Venezuela following the US capture of long-time leader Nicolás Maduro. Her party has claimed it secured around 70 per cent of the vote in Venezuela’s 2024 election, a result it says reflects overwhelming popular support for change.
“We have a legitimate leadership with huge popular support, and our armed forces are also supportive of a transition to democracy,” Machado told Politico, signalling confidence in both civilian and institutional backing for a political shift.
Engagement With Washington
Last month, Machado met US President Donald Trump and also held discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and several US lawmakers. However, she said she has not yet spoken directly with Trump about the mechanics of an election process.
In January, Trump publicly said he was considering getting Machado “involved some way,” even as he has continued to back Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez.
Rubio, meanwhile, told US lawmakers during a January 28 hearing that Venezuela’s new leadership was moving toward closer ties with Washington. He met Machado later that same day.
Lingering Doubts Over Venezuela’s Direction
Despite the diplomatic engagement, US intelligence assessments have raised questions about whether Rodríguez is fully aligned with the broader transition strategy and whether she intends to formally sever ties with Washington’s adversaries, according to a Reuters report published last month.
These uncertainties underscore the fragile and evolving nature of Venezuela’s political landscape, even as opposition leaders push for a clear electoral roadmap and international support for a democratic transition.