“We want to vote”: Venezuelans back Machado in massive rally in Panama
Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado rallied supporters in Panama, vowing that interim president Delcy Rodríguez will leave power.
- Machado emphasized the need for unity to achieve a democratic transition and build a solid democracy in Venezuela.
- She also referenced disputed election results and the ongoing political crisis, asserting that free elections where all Venezuelans can vote are achievable.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado addressed hundreds of supporters in Panama City, asserting that interim president Delcy Rodríguez will inevitably step down. Machado urged attendees to maintain unity as they work towards a democratic transition and the establishment of a robust democracy in Venezuela.
Delcy Rodríguez is leaving, a day before, a day after, that is not in doubt.
Speaking at an event on Cuba Avenue, Machado focused her remarks on Venezuela's political future and the consolidation of a new institutional framework. She stressed that the challenge for Venezuelans extends beyond merely changing the government; it involves constructing a strong and lasting democracy. "The opposition has already defeated tyranny, and what remains is to displace it... Delcy Rodríguez is leaving, a day before, a day after, that is not in doubt," Machado declared, receiving enthusiastic support from the crowd.
Machado also brought attention to electoral records held in Panama, which she claims demonstrate the presidential victory of Edmundo González Urrutia in the 2024 elections with over 70% of the vote. The opposition alleges these results were never recognized by the National Electoral Council (CNE), which instead proclaimed Nicolás Maduro's re-election without presenting the vote tallies. Maduro was later arrested by U.S. authorities on drug trafficking charges, leading to Rodríguez assuming interim power.
We are going to achieve the transition to democracy, we are going to have free elections in which all of you will be able to vote.
Amid chants of "We want to vote," Machado reiterated her commitment to holding free and transparent elections where all Venezuelans can participate. She also highlighted the critical task of preventing Venezuela from falling back into authoritarianism, advocating for the construction of "republican, ethical, and liberal pillars" to safeguard democracy. Machado indicated her intention to return to Venezuela soon to support the ongoing political process, coordinating this return with the United States.
The opposition has already defeated tyranny, and what remains is to displace it.
Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.