María Corina Machado calls for mass protests against repression in Venezuela.

María Corina Machado, one of the most prominent figures of the Venezuelan opposition, has called for mass protests after declaring herself in "clandestinity," citing fears for her life and freedom. In a message shared through social media, Machado urged her supporters to remain steadfast and organized. "We must stay firm, organized, and mobilized," she stated, leaving her potential participation in the mobilizations uncertain. The leader, who has become a symbol of opposition resistance, expressed optimism by saying, "The world will see the strength and determination of a society determined to live in freedom." The context of this declaration follows the recent re-election of Nicolás Maduro, who, according to the National Electoral Council (CNE), received 51% of the votes compared to 44% for his opponent, Edmundo González Urrutia. However, Machado claims what she calls a landslide victory for her candidate and asserts that she has evidence proving what she considers a "theft" in the elections held last Sunday. The situation has triggered a wave of protests in Caracas and other cities across the country, marked by violence and repression. González Urrutia, for his part, expressed his resolve through a message on the social network X, promising his supporters that "I will never leave you alone" and reaffirming his commitment to defending the will of the people. However, tensions are escalating as this diplomat prepares to appear before the pro-government Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ). This court has accepted a request from Maduro to "certify" the election results, a process the opposition views as a maneuver to legitimize what they consider an electoral fraud. The protests that erupted following Maduro's proclamation have resulted in a tragic toll of at least 11 civilian deaths, according to reports from human rights organizations. The Prosecutor's Office has reported over 1,000 arrests, prompting international condemnation and a call for an "immediate end to the repression." Machado, in an opinion piece published in The Wall Street Journal, advocated for an "urgent agreement that facilitates the transition to democracy." Meanwhile, Maduro has lashed out at Machado and González Urrutia, blaming them for the violence that has erupted during the protests, stating that "they should be behind bars" and accusing them of having "blood on their hands." This type of rhetoric has exacerbated tensions between the government and the opposition, who have denounced a climate of persecution and repression in the months leading up to the elections. The controversy surrounding the election results has led Machado to launch a website featuring copies of voting records that she claims serve as evidence of the opposition's victory. However, Chavismo has dismissed these claims, labeling her initiative as a "setup." As calls for a transparent investigation intensify, the situation becomes increasingly critical. The TSJ has summoned Maduro, González Urrutia, and other candidates to appear, promising to initiate an investigation into the elections. Meanwhile, the opposition is in turmoil, oscillating between hope for change and fear of repression. Six of Machado's closest associates have sought refuge in the Argentine embassy, a tangible testament to the political tension permeating the environment. Life in Caracas is beginning to return to a semblance of normalcy; businesses are reopening, and public transport is resuming after days of turmoil. However, fear persists among the population. Residents from various social strata are cautious when discussing the elections, fearful of reprisals. "Life is normalizing; there are already quite a few people on the streets," said a resident in the Petare neighborhood, although silence and caution are palpable. Internationally, Maduro's re-election has raised alarms, particularly regarding the possibility of a new wave of migration. Since 2014, more than 7.5 million Venezuelans have left the country in search of better living conditions. In light of this situation, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia have proposed a "cohabitation agreement," although international pressure for greater transparency persists. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has declared that there is "overwhelming evidence" of González Urrutia's victory, recognizing him as the true winner of the elections. Amid this tumultuous situation, Venezuela finds itself at a crossroads, where the future of its democracy and the lives of millions of citizens hang in the balance. The coming hours and days will be crucial in determining whether the opposition can channel popular discontent into an effective movement for change.