When does Maria Corina Machado say Venezuela will hold its next presidential election?

Maria Corina Machado told crowds in Caracas that an election will come in 2027, according to the BBC's Will Grant, who found her clearer on timing than acting president Delcy Rodríguez. Rodríguez confirmed elections will be held under the constitution and run by a renewed electoral authority, but gave no date. Grant expects competing pressures between those who want a fast transition and those who think too much has already been conceded.

• Machado was widely expected to win the 2024 presidential election but the Supreme Court barred her from running.
• Rodríguez told security forces not to detain people without full judicial warrants, which Grant read as an invitation to other exiled leaders.

▸In their words

“The political transition in Venezuela will be irreversible, organized and peaceful.” Maria Corina Machado · at 2:19 — open in the transcript →

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Global News Podcast (2026-10-30). Read the whole episode summary →

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