Changing Electoral Infrastructure and Calling Elections: US Plan for Venezuela
The day after Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was able to return to her country following seven failed attempts, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a press conference via teleconference in which he clarified matters regarding the future of the South American country, which is currently under the tutelage of the Donald Trump […]
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a press conference telephonically following Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado's return to her country, seven attempts short of her goal. Rubio addressed journalists alongside Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson, responding to inquiries from journalists about the Venezuelan regime's potential use of Washington's imposed requirements to delay elections indefinitely.
Rubio stated that he was optimistic about the regime's adherence to agreed-upon timelines, despite a two-year delay caused by an earthquake. He emphasized that the United States would not wait for things to happen spontaneously, saying that he had only two years and two months left in his position. Rubio warned that the United States would aim to resolve the matter before his tenure ended.
Regarding potential incentives for the Rodríguez siblings to facilitate a transition, Rubio emphatically responded in the negative, stating that there were no discussions of legal proceedings or similar matters. He explained that there were only two options for Venezuela: genuine reconciliation and reform to hold elections resulting in a democratically elected government and lasting republic (Option A), or not achieving democracy through street protests.
Rubio firmly believed that democracy would only come through a peaceful process, which was the one currently being followed.
Rubio contrasted the proposed process with that of President Joe Biden, emphasizing that the latter had made irreversible concessions and allowed elections to be held using the existing infrastructure, which was designed by the Maduro regime to rig the elections. He stressed that this infrastructure must be replaced for a valid election, raising concerns about the control of the Electoral Council by Chavismo loyalists and a politicized Supreme Court.
Rubio emphasized the need for a quick change in the electoral infrastructure, with no time for waiting ten, five, or even two years.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
