UNGA: Venezuela’s Rodríguez Promises Elections, Full Democratic Transition

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez has said the country will hold elections as part of a transition to what she described as full democracy, although she did not provide a specific date for the vote.

Rodríguez made the announcement on Wednesday while addressing the UNGA in New York, where she outlined her government’s plans for Venezuela’s political future.

She said her administration had begun a political dialogue with opposition groups and would seek to create conditions that would allow all political forces to participate in the electoral process.

According to Rodríguez, the Venezuelan people would determine the appropriate time for elections, while the country’s institutions would be prepared to ensure that the process was inclusive and transparent.

She described the political changes underway as the beginning of a new era for Venezuela, saying the country was pursuing an orderly and verifiable democratic transformation.

Rodríguez also said her government was working to resolve political differences through dialogue and described the process as an effort to rebuild the country after a period of uncertainty and conflict.

Her appearance at the UNGA came more than eight months after US forces captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a military operation in January. Maduro was subsequently taken to the United States, where he faces drug trafficking charges.

Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president, assumed the interim presidency following his removal.

Her UNGA address marked a significant appearance on the international stage as her administration seeks to establish relations with foreign governments and guide Venezuela through its current political transition.

Rodríguez also thanked US President Donald Trump for his willingness to resume diplomatic relations and cooperation with Venezuela. She said discussions with Washington were focused on areas including energy, security, economic cooperation and the fight against transnational crime.

She said Venezuela was entering a new political era based on dialogue, justice and reconciliation.

The announcement of elections comes amid continued debate over Venezuela’s political transition and the role of opposition groups in determining the country’s future.

Rodríguez did not indicate whether elections would be presidential, legislative or involve multiple levels of government, nor did she provide a timetable for when the electoral process would begin.

She told the UNGA that Venezuela’s institutions would be prepared to guarantee an inclusive and transparent process when the time comes.