The Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, made a strong call to the public to mobilize on January 9, which she described as a crucial day for the country.
“This is the day,” he wrote in a message posted on his social media, accompanied by a video in which he urges Venezuelans, wherever they may be, to take to the streets in defense of democracy and freedom.
"This is the signal. This is the day! The day we unite our flag in a single cry for Freedom. Venezuela needs you. Everyone, together. Everyone! I stand with you. This January 9th, EVERYONE to the streets, in Venezuela and around the world,” he stated.
She calls for the meeting a day before Nicolás Maduro is sworn in as president of Venezuela, after claiming victory over Edmundo González Urrutia in the contested elections of July 28, 2024.
The Carter Center, which served as an observer, submitted electoral documents to the Organization of American States (OAS) that, according to their claims, demonstrate the victory of opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia with 67% of the votes, compared to 31% for Maduro.
The opposition has denounced the lack of transparency in the electoral process and has published online the minutes that support its claims. However, the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), controlled by chavismo, validated the official results that grant victory to Maduro, dismissing the allegations of irregularities.
In response, González Urrutia, after having gone into exile in Spain following an arrest warrant issued against him, has begun a tour of several countries in Latin America and the United States, promising to arrive in Venezuela on January 10 to assume the presidency of the country.
González has received support from international leaders, including Argentine President Javier Milei and Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou, with whom he met in Buenos Aires and Montevideo, respectively.
Machado also addressed a message, hours earlier, to Venezuelans residing in the United States, specifically in Washington DC: "Dear Venezuelans living in Washington DC, now it's your turn. Let the whole world continue to admire the strength of a united people determined to be FREE!"
Nicolás Maduro has intensified the militarization of Venezuela, consolidating his power through the support of the Armed Forces and the repression of dissent.
After the controversial elections, his government has launched operations such as "Operación Tun Tun," marked by raids and arbitrary detentions of opponents.
Furthermore, UN reports accuse the regime of committing crimes against humanity, including torture and enforced disappearances, with the aim of silencing the opposition and perpetuating its rule.
On the other hand, in light of González Urrutia's imminent return, the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) has intensified its control, especially in Caracas, to suppress opposition mobilizations.
This is compounded by a campaign of intimidation, including arrest warrants and rewards for information about González.
Frequently Asked Questions about María Corina Machado's candidacy and the political situation in Venezuela
Why is María Corina Machado calling on Venezuelans to mobilize on January 9th?
María Corina Machado calls on Venezuelans to mobilize on January 9 to defend democracy and freedom in Venezuela. This rally takes place a day before Nicolás Maduro is sworn in as president, following elections that the opposition and international observers deem fraudulent.
What is the current situation of Edmundo González Urrutia regarding the presidency of Venezuela?
Edmundo González Urrutia, regarded by the opposition as the legitimate president of Venezuela, is currently in exile in Spain due to threats and an arrest warrant against him. He plans to return to Venezuela on January 10 to assume the presidency, backed by several leaders and international organizations that recognize his victory in the elections.
What irregularities have been reported in the presidential elections in Venezuela?
The presidential elections in Venezuela have been described as fraudulent by the opposition and international organizations. There have been allegations of a lack of transparency, the control of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice by Chavismo, and the manipulation of results, granting victory to Nicolás Maduro despite evidence showing that Edmundo González received the majority of the votes.
How has Nicolás Maduro's government responded to the protests and opposition demonstrations?
The government of Nicolás Maduro has intensified repression against opponents through militarization and operations such as "Operation Tun Tun," which are marked by raids and arbitrary detentions. UN reports accuse the regime of committing crimes against humanity, aiming to silence dissent and maintain power.
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