Machado eyes return to Venezuela, predicts landslide victory in fair elections

The fall of Nicolas Maduro following a US military operation has opened a volatile phase in Venezuela, with the country's leading opposition figure, Maria Corina Machado, vowing to return soon and push for elections, declaring her movement ready to win decisively.

"I'm planning to go back to Venezuela as soon as possible," Machado, 58, said in an interview with Fox News' Hannity programme. She did not disclose her current location or provide details on when or how she would return.

"We believe that this transition should move forward," she said. "In free and fair elections, we will win over 90 per cent of the votes."

Machado fled Venezuela in October disguised in order to travel abroad, after facing legal pressure at home. She remains under investigation by authorities for allegedly inciting military insurrection.

She also said she wants to personally give US President Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize she received for toppling Maduro and said the transition in Venezuela should move towards a democratic vote.

Her remarks come as uncertainty grips the country, with key levers of power still controlled by loyalists of the ruling Socialist Party.

However, Trump has said an early election is unrealistic. He said that Venezuela will not hold fresh elections within the next 30 days, arguing that the country must be rebuilt before voters can go to the polls. "We have to fix the country first There's no way the people could even vote," he told NBC.

POWER STILL HELD BY MADURO LOYALISTS

Despite Maduro's capture, much of the state apparatus remains under the control of figures aligned with his government. Delcy Rodriguez, a close ally of Maduro, was formally sworn in on Monday as the country's Interim President.

Machado criticised Rodriguez, accusing her of playing a major role in repression and criminal activity. "Delcy Rodriguez, as you know, is one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, narco-trafficking," she said, pointing to Rodriguez's ties with Russia, China and Iran.

Trump has indicated he may work with Rodriguez and other senior officials to ensure stability.

Inside Venezuela, security forces are visible on the streets. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has appeared alongside armed units, while authorities have ordered the arrest of anyone accused of collaborating with the US operation.

The government said US forces killed 55 Venezuelan and Cuban military personnel during a dramatic raid. Fourteen journalists were briefly detained in Caracas on Monday, and shots were fired into the air overnight, which officials said was meant to deter unauthorised drones.

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With inputs from agencies