Implica

Venezuelans demand new presidential elections after earthquake response fails

Fallout from Venezuela's earthquakes turns political as opposition leader Machado seeks returnVenezuelans frustrated by quake response want new presidential elections

Twin earthquakes struck Venezuela last week, triggering a political crisis as opposition leader Maria Corina Machado seeks to return and thousands of Venezuelans demand new presidential elections over the government's disaster response.

Nearly half of Venezuelans now say holding new elections is more urgent than rebuilding after the disaster. The crisis highlights the deep political divisions in Venezuela and the government's struggle to manage both natural disaster relief and mounting public discontent.

  • Venezuela experienced its first major earthquake in over 150 years in 2026, with tremors reaching 7.2 magnitude.
  • Maria Corina Machado has been barred from holding public office in Venezuela since 2023 due to political sanctions.
  • The twin earthquakes in Venezuela caused widespread damage across Caracas and surrounding regions, leaving thousands homeless.
Venezuelans demand new presidential elections after earthquake response fails | Implica