María Corina Machado stated on Sunday that the Venezuelan opposition should not participate in any elections until the results of the July 28 presidential elections are respected and enforced.
In a video posted on her X account, the opposition leader emphasized that elections are meant “to choose” and not “to legitimize” Nicolás Maduro’s government. According to Machado, Maduro is “internationally isolated, cornered domestically, and divided within his ranks.”
“The People Made Their Choice on July 28”
Machado insisted that Venezuelans defeated Maduro on July 28 under the government’s own rules. “That result must be respected and enforced. Participating in more elections without honoring results does not defend the vote; it undermines it as a democratic tool,” she declared.
She also criticized those who fail to uphold the vote, saying, “Anyone who does not defend the people’s mandate has no moral ground to ask for another vote.”
Venezuelans,
This message, today January 19, is for EVERYONE:
– International allies: Venezuelans have decided to BE FREE; the time to act is NOW.
– Regime: understand once and for all that Venezuela CANNOT be governed under a dictatorship.
– Those who want to be “on both… pic.twitter.com/P3xfaqllPr— María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) January 19, 2025
A Sovereign Mandate That Must Be Enforced
Machado reminded Venezuelans that the July 28 elections represent a sovereign and popular decision that must be upheld. “This is a debt Maduro owes us—an essential debt that affects our future and that of our children. Venezuelans will collect on this debt,” she added.
She called on citizens, particularly members of the military and police, to fulfill their duty to protect the people, the Constitution, and the nation’s territory. “We civilians have done our part; now it’s your turn,” she stressed.
A Just, Legal, and Legitimate Struggle
For Machado, the fight to enforce the July mandate is entirely legitimate because it seeks to restore constitutional order and defeat Nicolás Maduro’s government, which began its third term on January 10. “We have the right to rally all necessary forces to uphold the sovereign mandate of July 28,” she affirmed.
National Unity Is Key
Machado underscored the importance of national unity in overcoming the divisions that, according to her, the government has created through “lies and slander.”
“Public servants, police, and military personnel must also join this national unity,” she said, emphasizing that the sole purpose of such unity is to uphold the July 28 mandate. She also warned against attempts to use this struggle for personal or political gain.
A Democratic Transition Is Essential
The opposition leader revealed that she and former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia are working on negotiations to ensure a democratic and orderly transition. “The Venezuelan people were born to live in freedom and democracy,” she declared, urging the government to facilitate change.
Finally, Machado pledged that “this fight will not stop until the country is free.”
CNE Analyzes Upcoming Elections
Meanwhile, the National Electoral Council (CNE) announced last Friday that it is holding ongoing sessions to assess proposals for legislative, regional, and local elections scheduled for this year.
Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly, stated that the Assembly submitted a document to the CNE outlining suggestions regarding the organization, funding, and other aspects of the electoral processes planned for 2025.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings