Venezuela: Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says US backs 2027 election

Machado, who was barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election, backed opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez. His supporters said he had won by a wide margin, even though electoral authorities declared Maduro the winner.

She called the transition to democracy 'irreversible' and said, 'The date of the election is the date of liberation.' Machado reiterated that her priorities included dismantling the country's repressive system and securing the release of thousands of political prisoners.

Machado denied having any contact with interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who shortly before her statements announced that there 'will be elections' in Venezuela, without specifying a date.

Machado also thanked former US President Donald Trump for actions on January 3 that she said opened a 'floodgate to freedom' in Venezuela, referring to the US capture of former President Nicolas Maduro.

However, she criticized a major oil deal Washington and Caracas agreed to earlier this year, under which Venezuela is expected to supply 20% of its oil reserves to the United States.

Machado said, 'This agreement does not reflect the levels of transparency that Venezuelan society wants.'

Machado's return complicates things for Washington, which has said she has every right to be in Venezuela but also praised acting President Rodriguez.

Machado's return complicates US stance

Machado's recent return after nearly a year in exile complicates the position of the United States.