Maria Corina Machado, a leading opposition figure in Venezuela, continues her battle against President Nicolas Maduro, challenging his election victory in July. Banned from running for president, Machado is now calling on international allies, particularly Colombia, to recognize Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, her party’s candidate, as the legitimate winner.
During a virtual session with Colombia’s Senate, Machado urged Colombian President Gustavo Petro and the Senate to apply diplomatic pressure on Maduro to step down and allow Gonzalez to assume the presidency. Petro, seen as an ally of Maduro, has yet to respond to these appeals.
“To the government of Colombia, especially President Petro: It is time for decisions,” Machado declared during the session. “Silence is no longer an option in the face of what is happening in Venezuela. The transition is inevitable, and with the participation of your government, as we have said, we are willing to move forward in a constructive negotiation that is based on respect for the popular sovereignty expressed by Venezuelans on July 28.”
Machado has been in hiding for over 60 days, fearing persecution from Maduro. Her speech was delivered from an undisclosed location, as the government continues to crack down on dissent following the contested election. Despite calls for transparency, Maduro’s regime has not provided evidence of his electoral victory. Machado’s party claims it has proof of vote tallies from over 80% of the country’s voting machines, demonstrating Gonzalez’s win.
