Machado Predicts Landslide Win in Free Elections, Plans Swift Return to Venezuela

The dramatic fall of long-time Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro after a US-led military operation has pushed the country into one of its most fragile and consequential phases in decades. At the center of this unfolding transition is Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela’s most prominent opposition leader, who says she is ready to return home and lead the country toward democratic elections she believes her movement will win by an overwhelming margin.

Machado, 58, said she intends to go back to Venezuela “as soon as possible,” signaling her determination to play a direct role in shaping the nation’s political future. Speaking in an interview on Fox News’ Hannity, she expressed confidence that Venezuelans are prepared for change after years of economic collapse, repression, and political instability.

“I’m planning to go back to Venezuela as soon as possible,” Machado said, without revealing her current location or offering specifics on how or when her return would take place. security concerns remain high, given that Venezuelan authorities have previously accused her of encouraging military dissent.

Emphasizing her belief in a democratic transition, Machado said, “We believe that this transition should move forward. In free and fair elections, we will win over 90 per cent of the votes.” Her remarks underline the opposition’s confidence that Maduro’s removal has fundamentally altered the political landscape.

Machado left Venezuela in October after mounting legal pressure and credible threats to her safety. According to multiple reports, she traveled abroad in disguise, while Venezuelan authorities continued investigating her on allegations of inciting a military uprising—charges she and her supporters have consistently dismissed as politically motivated.

She also stated that the transition must culminate in internationally recognized elections and went a step further by saying she hopes to personally present US President Donald Trump with the nobel peace prize she was awarded for her role in opposing and ultimately helping to bring down the Maduro regime.

Machado’s comments come amid widespread uncertainty inside Venezuela, where the fall of Maduro has not yet translated into a full transfer of power. Despite his arrest, allies of the ruling Socialist Party continue to dominate critical state institutions, including the military, security services, and sections of the civil administration.

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has cautioned against rushing into elections. Speaking to NBC, Trump said that holding a vote within the next 30 days would not be realistic, arguing that Venezuela first needs stability and reconstruction. “We must first fix the nation. There’s no way the people could even vote,” he said.

Maduro Loyalists Continue to Hold Key Levers of Power

Despite Maduro’s removal, the influence of his inner circle remains significant. On Monday, Delcy Rodríguez, one of Maduro’s closest allies, was sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president, raising concerns among opposition figures about the pace and direction of the transition.

Trump has indicated that he may engage pragmatically with Rodríguez and other senior officials in order to maintain stability and prevent further unrest, a stance that has drawn mixed reactions from both Venezuelan opposition leaders and international observers.

Security forces remain highly visible across Venezuelan cities, particularly in Caracas. Authorities have ordered the arrest of individuals suspected of cooperating with the US operation, while Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has appeared publicly alongside heavily armed security units.

According to official statements, 55 Venezuelan and Cuban military personnel were killed during the US-led raid that led to Maduro’s capture. Officials also reported that shots were fired into the air overnight in several areas to deter unauthorized drone activity.

Press freedom has also come under strain during the transition. Fourteen journalists were temporarily detained in Caracas on Monday, underscoring ongoing concerns about civil liberties even after Maduro’s downfall.

As Venezuela stands at a crossroads, Machado’s promised return and call for elections reflect both the optimism and the deep uncertainty surrounding the country’s future. Whether her prediction of a decisive electoral victory becomes reality will depend largely on how power is redistributed in the days and weeks ahead.