Machado Calls for Democratic Transition as Maduro Faces U.S. Justice

January 4, 2026
Image of Maria Corina Machado

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado on Saturday, declared that the country had entered a decisive phase toward democratic transition, following confirmation that President Nicolás Maduro has been taken into U.S. custody to face criminal charges, Prime Business Africa reports.

In a statement addressed to Venezuelans at home and abroad, Machado said the development marked the beginning of accountability for what she described as “atrocious crimes” committed against Venezuelans and citizens of other nations.

She said the United States had acted after Maduro rejected a negotiated solution, adding that the moment had arrived for popular and national sovereignty to prevail in Venezuela.

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Machado called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, including the release of political prisoners, the rebuilding of national institutions and the return of millions of Venezuelans who have fled the country in recent years. She said years of opposition struggle and sacrifice had now reached a turning point.

READ ALSO : Machado Unable to Attend Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony Amid Travel Restrictions

Reaffirming the opposition’s position on the July 28 election, Machado insisted that Edmundo González Urrutia was the legitimately elected president of Venezuela and should immediately assume his constitutional mandate. She urged members of the armed forces to recognise González as commander-in-chief and align with what she described as the will of the Venezuelan people.

The opposition leader said preparations were under way to assert the electoral mandate and take control through a democratic transition, calling on citizens to remain vigilant, organised and active. She said further instructions would be communicated to Venezuelans inside the country through official opposition channels.

Machado also appealed to Venezuelans in the diaspora to mobilise international support, urging them to engage governments and civil society worldwide in what she described as the task of rebuilding a new Venezuela.

“In these decisive hours,” she said, “we all remain alert and in contact,” declaring that Venezuela would be free and framing the moment as one guided by faith and perseverance.

Her statement comes amid heightened uncertainty in Venezuela following the U.S. military operation that led to Maduro’s capture, as political actors and international stakeholders closely watch how power will transition in the country.

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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