The Republican Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar demanded that free and transparent elections be held in Venezuela before the end of 2026, with the participation of María Corina Machado and all opposition forces, under the auspices of the United States.
Salazar made the statement in an interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón this Thursday, in which he explicitly linked the future of Venezuela to that of Cuba, and endorsed Secretary of State Marco Rubio's three-phase plan for the Venezuelan transition.
"I say that before the end of the year, I will also demand that before the end of the year, María Corina and anyone else, all opposition forces within Venezuela, should be allowed to meet and organize, and there should be free and transparent elections, supported and guided by the United States, so that Venezuelans can decide who they want to govern them," the congresswoman asserted.
Salazar's statements come at a time of increasing opposition activity in Venezuela.
Recently, the headquarters of the Vente Venezuela party has reopened in Caracas, an event celebrated by the congresswoman as a sign of democratic progress in the country.
Additionally, Machado announced her return to the country after nearly a year outside of Venezuela, which has generated expectations about a possible revitalization of the opposition movement in anticipation of a potential electoral process.
Regarding the political framework surrounding these demands, Salazar supported the plan to restore, stabilize, and transition proposed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a roadmap for Venezuela.
The congresswoman also directly linked that process to the future of Cuba, emphasizing that a free Venezuela would have a decisive impact on the Cuban regime and the possibility of a transition on the island.
In this regard, Salazar has been consistent in her message: just weeks ago, she stated that the regime's exit will happen this year, linking the destinies of both countries in her vision of a region free from dictatorships.
The congresswoman also highlighted the collaborative work with her colleagues Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Jiménez, and herself in promoting these initiatives from the United States Congress.
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