Caracas – Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, stated on Thursday, , that the country will hold “free and fair elections,” but offered no timeline for presidential polls. The announcement comes after a dramatic shift in Venezuelan politics following the capture and detention of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. Forces approximately a month and a half ago.
“Absolutely, yes,” Rodríguez responded in an interview with U.S. Network NBC, when asked if elections would be held following Maduro’s removal. “Elections are contemplated in the Constitution. And holding free and fair elections in Venezuela also means having a country free and where justice can be exercised,” she said, adding that the nation must also be “free of sanctions” and “harassment from the international press” to organize a vote.
This interview marks Rodríguez’s first with a U.S. Media outlet since Maduro’s detention. The change in leadership followed widespread international criticism of previous Venezuelan elections, which were frequently denounced as fraudulent under Maduro’s rule.
The timing of the elections remains a key point of contention. Rodríguez indicated that the election schedule “will be marked and decided by the political dialogue in this country,” but declined to comment on suggestions, reportedly made by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright during a recent visit to Venezuela, that the polls could be held within three years.
Rodríguez also addressed the level of influence Washington is exerting on policy decisions in Caracas. She spoke of the importance of “developing joint work” and expressed gratitude for the “level of cooperation” from the White House. This acknowledgement comes after an agreement between the two countries that saw the U.S. Permitted to market approximately 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil, with the proceeds going to the Venezuelan government.
U.S. Energy Secretary Wright stated on Thursday that revenue from these crude oil sales has already exceeded $1 billion, and could potentially quintuple in the near future. This represents a significant economic boost for Venezuela, which has been struggling under years of economic hardship and U.S. Sanctions.
Despite the shift in tone and the promise of elections, Rodríguez staunchly defended Maduro, asserting that he remains “the legitimate president of Venezuela” and that both he and his wife, Cilia Flores, are innocent of the conspiracy and narco-terrorism charges leveled against them by U.S. Authorities.
The situation in Venezuela remains complex. While the U.S. Military intervention to capture Maduro signaled a decisive move against his regime, the subsequent approach has focused on working with the existing power structure, leveraging oil exports as a means of influence. This strategy, as noted by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, may be driven by pressure from the Trump administration but lacks clear legal standing.
Machado, whose party won the 2024 election, has stated that a transition away from the remnants of the Maduro regime is “unstoppable.” However, she has also expressed skepticism about the sincerity of any positive steps taken by the Rodríguez government, arguing they are merely a result of U.S. Pressure. She has also indicated that her opposition movement is not currently in contact with the Rodríguez government, citing the regime’s history of refusing to negotiate a transition.
The international community is watching closely to see whether Venezuela can move towards a genuinely democratic process. The promise of free and fair elections is a crucial step, but the lack of a concrete timeline and the continued defense of Maduro by Rodríguez raise questions about the depth and sincerity of the commitment to change. The removal of sanctions, as Rodríguez stipulated, will also be a key factor in ensuring a level playing field for all political actors.
The U.S. Has indicated it does not plan further military action in Venezuela, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the only U.S. Military presence will be Marine guards at the embassy, should a diplomatic presence be re-established in Caracas. This suggests a preference for a diplomatic and economic approach to influencing Venezuela’s political future.
The coming months will be critical in determining whether Venezuela can successfully navigate this transition and establish a stable, democratic government. The interplay between the interim government, the opposition, and the United States will be crucial in shaping the country’s future.
