At the U.N. General Assembly, interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez pledged that elections will form part of a transition to "full democracy" but gave no date. She said talks with opposition groups are underway and national institutions are being readied to oversee the vote. Rodriguez met briefly with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss renewed engagement and debt restructuring, while critics say the U.S. has prioritized oil and investment ties over immediate electoral guarantees.
Venezuela Interim Leader Pledges Elections to 'Full Democracy' at UN — No Date Given
Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City, US, September 23, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
NEW YORK, Sept. 23 — Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez told the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday that elections will be held as part of a transition to what she called a "full democracy," but she did not provide a date for the vote.
Rodriguez, who assumed an interim role following contested political developments in January, said the government has opened talks with opposition groups and is preparing national institutions to oversee an inclusive electoral process.
"Venezuela has initiated a process of democratic transformation for its rebirth, an orderly, institutional, and verifiable process, to build a country that is freer for all, more prosperous, and more reconciled with itself," Rodriguez told the Assembly.
Her remarks came amid criticism that the United States has deprioritized demands for immediate, verifiable elections by focusing on oil and investment ties with the interim administration. Some U.S. lawmakers have urged a clearer electoral timetable and tangible democratic guarantees, arguing the administration should extract stronger concessions.
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Rodriguez held a brief meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. She praised renewed diplomatic engagement and said they discussed, among other issues, restructuring Venezuela's billions of dollars in sovereign debt.
Addressing economic prospects, Rodriguez acknowledged that rebuilding the economy will be a long-term effort: "This is the time to build the nation that many people want to return to," she said, adding that recovery "will take time." She appealed to the international community for support as Venezuela seeks to move "from a stage of uncertainty and conflict toward a stage of full democracy."
Note: Reports of how power changed hands in January remain contested. This article reflects statements made by the interim president and reactions from critics and lawmakers.
Help us improve.
