Trump says Venezuela is “not ready” to hold elections and sets no timetable
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Venezuela does not yet meet the conditions to call elections, five days after announcing the agreement granting Washington majority control over a fifth of the country's oil reserves for a century.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump stated that Venezuela is not prepared to hold elections, five days after announcing a deal granting Washington control over a fifth of the nation's oil reserves for a century. "I don't think they're ready yet," Trump said, adding that the interim government's leader, Delcy Rodríguez, is doing a commendable job.
He expressed hope for elections to occur soon, though he did not specify the conditions or timeline. A senior administration official stated that the US would not set an arbitrary date, but emphasized the need for Venezuela to improve before any elections could be deemed fair. The official listed prerequisites for free and fair elections, including economic and legal stability, a free press, and a credible electoral process.
The August 12 agreement between the interim government and the opposition did not mention the National Electoral Council or political prisoners. The talks will resume in mid-September. The US stance follows a three-stage plan initiated after the January 3 military operation that captured Nicolás Maduro, who is now awaiting trial in New York on drug trafficking charges.
The first two phases involve rebuilding the oil sector and stabilizing the economy; elections are slated for the third phase. The recent deal involves a century-long joint venture with a US company over 17 Venezuelan oil fields containing approximately 65 billion barrels.
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