Venezuelans rally for free elections in first nationwide opposition protest in nearly two years
Thousands marched in Caracas and other cities on 22 October at the call of María Corina Machado's movement, demanding a date for elections and the release of political prisoners. Neither acting President Delcy Rodríguez nor Washington has set an election date.
Thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets on Thursday, 22 October, in the first nationwide opposition protest in nearly two years, demanding free elections, Reuters reported. The marches, organised by Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado’s Vente Venezuela movement, took place in Caracas, Valencia, Maracay, San Cristóbal and Maracaibo.
No date yet
Since US forces captured Nicolás Maduro in January, Washington has worked closely with the interim government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Both she and US President Donald Trump have said elections will happen, but no date has been set; Machado, who has been abroad for almost a year, says they must take place by July 2027. The ruling Socialist Party called a rival march at the same Caracas square, and the opposition moved to a nearby location.
Political prisoners
Protesters also demanded the release of people they consider political prisoners. The rights group Foro Penal says more than 320 remain behind bars despite an amnesty earlier this year; the government denies holding political prisoners, Reuters reported.
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