Venezuelans Rally Demanding Maria Corina Machado’s Safe Return and Fresh Presidential Vote

Supporters of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado took to the streets across Venezuela on Sunday, demanding her safe return from exile and fresh presidential elections they say could kick-start a democratic transition.

A supporter of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado holds a sign that reads in Spanish: "immediately elections" during a rally calling for her return to the country, in Los Teques, Venezuela, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)(AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)

In Caracas, hundreds of activists wearing sky-blue shirts — the color of Machado’s Vente Venezuela party — rode motorcycles and drove along the city’s main avenues, honking and waving Venezuelan flags. Similar demonstrations were reported in Valencia, Maracaibo and Mérida.

Supporters of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado rally to demand her return to the country and immediate elections in Los Teques, Venezuela, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)(AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)

"This is not a matter of parties or politics," said Flavio Valentini, a Vente Venezuela activist in Caracas who addressed the crowd through a megaphone. "This is a movement for the people and by the people."

Machado has been living abroad for months. Her party says she has made several unsuccessful attempts this year to re-enter Venezuela — including three attempts on one night and seven failed efforts overall — and alleges that authorities have blocked or obstructed her return. Venezuelan officials deny those allegations.

Supporters of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado attend a rally calling for her return to the country, in La Guaira, Venezuela, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)(AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)

Machado was barred from running in the country’s last presidential election by courts that opposition figures say are aligned with President Nicolás Maduro. The opposition’s stand-in candidate is widely believed by supporters to have won that vote with nearly two-thirds of the vote share, a result that Maduro's government has rejected. The disputed outcome was followed by a harsh government crackdown on protesters and dissidents, which forced many opposition leaders into hiding or exile.

Supporters of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado attend a rally calling for her return to the country, in La Guaira, Venezuela, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)(AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)

"We hope this transition process leads us to presidential elections and consolidates a free, democratic country," said Anthony Romero, a Vente Venezuela leader in the capital.

Machado’s campaign team says some planned returns were thwarted by logistical and regulatory problems: a chartered boat was reportedly canceled because the company said the vessel was unfit for navigation, and a flight to Curaçao that could have allowed a sea crossing onward was denied landing permission. Her party attributes the repeated failures to a mix of official obstruction and practical barriers; independent verification of every detail is limited.

U.S. officials have repeatedly denied any role in preventing Machado’s return, though some U.S. representatives have said they advised her against returning at times for safety reasons. Senator Marco Rubio said at a news conference that Machado has "every right to enter her country whenever she wants to return," while also expressing concern about the security situation for returning opposition figures.

The rallies underscore ongoing tensions in Venezuela: accusations of electoral misconduct, repression of dissent, and disagreements over the path to credible, internationally recognized elections. The situation remains fluid, and both domestic and international actors continue to debate next steps.

Associated Press writer Manuel Rueda contributed from Bogotá, Colombia.