The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado held a dialogue with Rosa María Payá, leader of Cuba Decide and one of the most prominent figures in the opposition to the Cuban regime.
The conversation between Machado in Caracas and Payá in Miami took place live on Wednesday afternoon and was broadcast across various platforms, reaching a large audience.
Payá emphasized the significance of freedom in Venezuela for political change across the Caribbean and Latin America.
Machado explained that the electoral process was a challenge because they were able to position Edmundo González's candidacy despite Nicolás Maduro's repression, without having sufficient funds for the campaign and lacking advisors for this process. "It was truly historic," he noted.
"We are in a very complex phase because the Maduro regime is clinging to power at all costs, using the most despicable tactics, now targeting Edmundo with a warrant for the elected president's arrest. This is the moment when we must trust that we have a robust strategy in place. We are united and will continue to move forward."
One of the topics discussed was the importance of individual freedom, encouraging each person to overcome their fear of the regime and stand up for their vote. It emphasized the need to remain steadfast in the belief that change is possible, as these are not isolated cases, but rather a multitude that seeks to lead the country toward democracy.
"I don't know how much longer this process might take. It could be days, weeks, but we must have the conviction that we are going to win. We will reach the end," said Machado.
On July 28, during the elections for the government change in Venezuela, Machado sent a message to Payá, expressing his conviction in victory over Chavismo and his faith in an upcoming transition to democracy similar to that in Cuba.
"Very soon I know that Cuba will be like us, on the eve of Freedom. Stay strong! I would have loved to have you here and to embrace each other in Venezuela tomorrow, but I know that we will welcome you soon in a liberated Venezuela," said Machado.
Since August, Payá has repeatedly denounced that Nicolás Maduro is employing state terrorism to maintain his presidency in Venezuela after committing fraud in the elections.
"Just as the Castros do, Maduro is using the law, institutions, judges, and law enforcement to impose state terrorism," the Cuban expressed on the social media platform X.
In Venezuela, the government in power pursues opposition members using tactics similar to those employed by the political police in Cuba.
Payá invited all governments in Latin America and around the world to recognize the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people as expressed in the elections. He reaffirmed the support of Cuban opposition members for their Venezuelan counterparts, stating that the struggle for freedom in that land will continue until the end.
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