Venezuelans call for elections in first national protest in nearly two years

Thousands of Venezuelans protested on Thursday in the first nationwide opposition demonstration in nearly two years, demanding free elections. Security forces had minimal presence. The protest was organized by Maria Corina Machado's Vente Venezuela movement. The US-backed interim government has not set an election date.

Thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets on Thursday in the first nationwide opposition protest in nearly two years, demanding free elections and other political changes. Security forces were present in notably small numbers. The protest was organized by opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado's Vente Venezuela movement, and took place in the capital Caracas and other cities including Valencia, Maracay, San Cristobal and Maracaibo. The United States has been working closely with the interim government led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez since US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro in January. Both US President Donald Trump and Rodriguez have said elections will be held but have not set a date. Machado, who has been outside the country for nearly a year, has said elections must take place by July 2027. The ruling Socialist Party called for its own march to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello was pictured attending. US-backed talks between a faction of the opposition and the interim government held their latest session this month, but changes could take significant time. Demonstrators also called for the release of prisoners they say are held for political reasons. Legal rights group Foro Penal says there are still more than 320 political prisoners in Venezuela, a figure the government denies.