Andrés Caleca outlines requirements for new elections in Venezuela

Andrés Caleca, former president of Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE), emphasized that the primary requirement for holding new elections in the country is the political will of all involved parties. He asserted that currently, the power to influence this decision rests with two key players: the United States administration and the administration led by Delcy Rodríguez.

Caleca expressed his view that neither of these two protagonists appears interested in holding elections in the near future. He specifically suggested that if it were solely up to Delcy Rodríguez, she might never agree to elections. Caleca made these remarks during an interview with the private channel Venevisión, noting that the Venezuelan opposition, including himself, is not currently at the negotiating table.

Regarding Venezuela's political transition, Caleca highlighted the necessity of elections at some point. He referenced a stated plan involving three stages, suggesting that reconciliation is imperative for a unified Venezuela. This reconciliation, he clarified, involves broad negotiation not for personal gain or positions, but to establish a shared vision for the country.

Caleca also commented on the potential appointment of new magistrates to the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ), recognizing it as a significant institutional step. He recalled the Electoral Chamber of the TSJ's crucial role since the 1999 Constitution in resolving electoral disputes, sometimes overstepping into the CNE's domain. He expressed anticipation regarding the formation of the next Electoral Chamber and questioned the lack of public information surrounding the selection process for new judicial authorities, stressing that such appointments should stem from a broad national consensus.