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

Thousands of Venezuelans participated in nationwide protests demanding the scheduling of elections, marking the first such national demonstration in nearly two years. The protests occurred alongside a separate march organized by the ruling socialist party, which has held power since 1999 under late President Hugo Chavez and current President Nicolas Maduro.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has remained outside the country following a period in hiding after the contested 2024 election, has called for new elections to be held by July 2027. The political climate remains tense, as the government has historically utilized security forces to counter demonstrations against its policies and perceived political repression.