María Corina Machado has announced plans to run for president of Venezuela once again and says she intends to return from exile before the end of 2026, reigniting debate over the country’s uncertain democratic future.
Speaking during a meeting with Venezuelan opposition leaders in Panama City, Machado reaffirmed her commitment to securing democratic change through what she described as “free and fair presidential elections” that would allow Venezuelans both inside and outside the country to vote.
Machado’s comments come months after major political shifts in Venezuela following the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro and the rise of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who has received backing from the administration of Donald Trump.
The Venezuelan opposition leader has been living in exile since December after spending nearly a year in hiding amid fears of arrest. During that period, Machado received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts promoting democracy and political freedoms in Venezuela. (AP News)
Machado said meaningful elections in Venezuela would require several major reforms, including the appointment of neutral electoral authorities, updated voter registration systems, and guarantees allowing opposition candidates to participate freely without government interference.
She also stressed that organizing a credible presidential election could take between seven and nine months of preparation.
Machado became the leading figure of Venezuela’s opposition movement after being barred by Maduro’s government from participating in the 2024 presidential election. She later backed former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia as the opposition candidate.
Although Venezuelan authorities declared Maduro the winner of the disputed election, Machado’s coalition claimed to possess evidence showing González won by a significant margin.
Speaking to reporters, Machado made clear she is prepared to compete openly against any political challenger if democratic elections are held.
“I will be a candidate, but there may be others, of course,” Machado said. “I would love to compete with everyone, with anyone who wants to be a candidate.” (AP News)
The announcement raises fresh questions about whether Venezuela will move toward internationally recognized elections amid ongoing political tensions and uncertainty surrounding the country’s leadership transition.