# Venezuelan political transition and humanitarian crisis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/venezuelan-political-transition-and-humanitarian-crisis > Updated: 2026-08-22T15:23:34.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in January 2026, Venezuela has entered a period of political transition with Delcy Rodríguez serving as interim president. Opposition leader María Corina Machado has rejected any presidential election that excludes her candidacy, calling for a transparent electoral roadmap and the renewal of the National Electoral Council. Negotiations between the government and opposition aim to restore political rights to exiled figures and overturn disqualifications of leaders. Amidst this political tension, a devastating double earthquake has caused more than 1,400 deaths and 3,000 injuries. Machado has announced her intention to return to the country to assist with the humanitarian emergency, despite previous attempts to enter via Curaçao being halted by the United States due to concerns regarding potential confrontations with state security forces. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-22: María Corina Machado to return to Venezuela following deadly earthquakes Opposition leader María Corina Machado plans to return to Venezuela to assist victims of recent earthquakes that killed over 1,400 people and caused a major humanitarian crisis. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mara-corina-machado-to-return-to-venezuela-following-deadly-earthquakes ### 2026-08-20: María Corina Machado rejects any Venezuelan election excluding her candidacy Opposition leader María Corina Machado asserts that Venezuelans will reject any election that excludes her from candidacy as the country navigates a transition under interim President Delcy Rodríguez. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mara-corina-machado-details-perilous-escape-from-venezuela --- Cite as: Venezuelan political transition and humanitarian crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/venezuelan-political-transition-and-humanitarian-crisis