In a historic and diplomatic statement about the future of Venezuela, the interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, assured in an interview with the American NBC News network that the Caribbean country will hold free and fair elections, although she did not set a concrete deadline for holding presidential elections amidst a political context marked by the recent capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.
During the conversation with the NBC journalist, Rodríguez emphasized that holding elections in Venezuela is enshrined in the Constitution, and that a truly democratic country must be free of sanctions and international press harassment to guarantee a transparent and equitable process.
Electoral calendar conditioned on political dialogue The interim president clarified that the electoral calendar will be defined by political dialogue within Venezuela, without confirming if the next elections could be held in the coming years, as external figures such as U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright have suggested.
Rodríguez highlighted that the organization of free and fair elections depends not only on the government's will but also on reaching agreements between the country's different political sectors and on more fluid cooperation with the international community.
Cooperation with the U.S. and Maduro's legitimacy Asked about Washington's influence on Venezuelan politics, Rodríguez stressed the importance of "developing joint work" and thanked for the "level of cooperation" with the White House.
Despite the political tensions, she reiterated that there is no doubt that Nicolás Maduro continues to be the legitimate president of Venezuela, defending his innocence and that of his wife, Cilia Flores, against the charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy brought by U.S. authorities.
Context of political transition and energy agreements Rodríguez's statements come amid a scenario of political transition in Venezuela, which includes negotiations with the United States on oil agreements and energy cooperation, key issues for Venezuelan economic stability in the short and medium term.
Conclusion Delcy Rodríguez's interview with NBC News marks a crucial moment in Venezuelan political history, with a clear message about the commitment to holding free and fair elections despite the absence of a defined electoral calendar. Political transition, international cooperation, and national political dialogue are shaping up as fundamental elements for the holding of the next elections in the Caribbean country.
