Venezuela’s Rodriguez promises elections to transition to ’full democracy’

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez addressed the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, stating that the nation will hold elections as part of a transition towards "full democracy." Rodriguez, who assumed power following a January raid that captured former President Nicolas Maduro, emphasized that elections are forthcoming without setting a specific date.

She assured the assembly that the government has begun discussions with the opposition and intends to guarantee the involvement of all political factions. Rodriguez also noted that national institutions are being prepared for the electoral process. She described Venezuela as embarking on a "democratic transformation" aimed at rebuilding a freer, more prosperous, and reconciled country.

Critics argue that the United States has marginalized the Venezuelan opposition, shifting focus from free elections to oil and investment agreements with the interim government. Some US lawmakers have also called for elections, criticizing the Trump administration for not securing significant democratic concessions from Rodriguez's administration.

Rodriguez met with US President Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly, praising him for reinitiating dialogue with Venezuela. Together, they discussed restructuring Venezuela's substantial sovereign debt. Rodriguez expressed optimism about the nation's future, acknowledging that economic recovery will be a gradual process, and sought international support as Venezuela moves from uncertainty and conflict towards full democracy.