Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado vows to return and seeks elections

Maria Corina Machado said she plans to return to Venezuela and called for free elections after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro; Maduro pleaded not guilty and is next due in court on March 17.

Maria Corina Machado has said she intends to return to Venezuela soon and has urged a transition to free elections. Her comments followed the reported capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. authorities over the weekend and his subsequent court appearance in New York. Machado, who left Venezuela in October and received the Nobel Peace Prize, did not disclose her current location and remains wanted for arrest in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as interim leader as officials in Caracas respond to the changing situation. Key reported developments: - Maria Corina Machado said she plans to return to Venezuela and called for free and fair elections, saying her movement would win in such a vote. - Nicolás Maduro was reported captured by U.S. forces and pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan court to narcotics-related charges; he is next due in court on March 17. - Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as interim leader in Caracas while some officials weigh cooperation with the United States. - Machado did not give details about repatriation plans and is wanted for arrest in Venezuela. Summary: The situation has left Venezuela's political leadership in flux as interim authorities assume control and opposition figures press for elections. Undetermined at this time is how Machado will return and how domestic and international actors will resolve the transition; Maduro's next scheduled court appearance is on March 17.