Venezuela Promises Elections as Delcy Rodriguez Pledges Democratic Transition

Venezuela will hold elections as part of a transition toward what interim President Delcy Rodriguez described as “full democracy,” although she did not provide a specific date for the vote.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23, Rodriguez said her government had begun discussions with opposition groups and would seek to ensure participation by all political forces. She also said national institutions were being prepared for the electoral process.

“I want to make this very clear at this General Assembly: there will be elections in Venezuela,” Rodriguez said, emphasizing what she called a democratic transformation designed to move the country from uncertainty and conflict toward greater political stability.

Rodriguez came to power after U.S. forces captured former President Nicolas Maduro during a January military operation. Her government has since sought closer relations with Washington, including discussions involving Venezuela’s energy sector and economic recovery.

The promise of elections comes amid debate over the direction of Venezuela’s political transition. Critics have argued that Washington has placed greater emphasis on oil, investment and economic agreements with Rodriguez’s interim government than on securing a clearly defined electoral timetable. Reuters also reported that some U.S. lawmakers have called for elections and questioned whether sufficient democratic concessions have been secured.

Rodriguez also met briefly with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The two discussed strengthening bilateral relations, while U.S. officials said Venezuela’s massive sovereign debt was also a key issue. The government and state oil company PDVSA have about $60 billion in defaulted bonds, with broader liabilities potentially much higher.

Rodriguez said Venezuela’s economic recovery would take time and appealed for international support as the country seeks to move toward elections and a new political phase.