Maria Corina Machado, the opposition leader in Venezuela, returned to the country after nearly 11 months of exile.
Ms. Machado appeared in a video posted by her party on X, welcomed by a crowd of supporters in central Venezuela. Her return punctuates a year embroiled with the U.S. government as she presents a challenge to the sitting U.S.-backed Delcy Rodriguez.
Last year Ms. Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize for being a “key, unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided — an opposition that found common ground in the demand for free elections and representative government,” according to Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
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Ms. Machado was set as the last challenger against then-President Nicolas Maduro, but the government disqualified her. A little-known figure, Edmundo Gonzalez, took her place leading up to the election, which saw widespread repression including disqualifications, arrests and human rights violations.
The election results announced by the Electoral Council sparked protests across the country, which the government met with force, resulting in more than 20 deaths. These events also prompted an end to diplomatic relations between Venezuela and various foreign countries, including Argentina.
Ms. Machado’s homecoming after more than 10 months in exile occurred amid doubts over Venezuela’s democratic future, including the role the U.S. will play.
— This article is based in part on wire service reports.
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