Venezuelans Demand Elections
Source reports published 23 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 24 Oct 2026, 3:15 am AEST
Thousands of Venezuelans participated in a nationwide protest demanding free elections and political change. The demonstration took place in several cities, including Caracas, Valencia, and Maracay, organized by the Vente Venezuela movement.
What happened
- Venezuelans organized a national protest demanding elections and political changes.
- The protest, organized by Vente Venezuela, occurred in several cities including Caracas, Valencia, Maracay, San Cristobal and Maracaibo.
- Participants, including 18-year-old Leosmary Hernandez, expressed frustration with economic hardship and the current government.
- Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has called for elections by July 2027.
- US President Donald Trump has supported the protests and the interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
- US-backed talks between the opposition and the interim government are ongoing, but do not include Machado’s movement.
- The PSUV, led by Diosdado Cabello, has been accused of human rights abuses.
- The US has maintained an active role in Venezuela, exerting control over its oil resources and pressuring the Rodriguez government for reforms.
Original reporting
- Al Jazeera: Venezuelans demand elections in first national protest in nearly two years
2026-10-23T00:00:00+00:00 - New York Times World: Under U.S. Watch, Venezuela Grapples With Tensions Over Democracy
2026-10-23T17:15:02+00:00