Delcy Rodríguez says Venezuela will hold elections when it is ready

Delcy Rodríguez says Venezuela will hold elections, but only when the country is ready. The interim president insists that the process will take place under the Constitution, while making clear that she will not decide the date.

“I have worked without rest to ensure that Venezuela is ready and prepared for when it is time to begin its electoral process. There will be an electoral process, have no doubt about that, but under the conditions in which Venezuela is prepared,” Rodríguez said. “In Venezuela there is a Constitution and a democratic system provided for in it. Secondly, I do not set the date.”

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There will be an electoral process, have no doubt about that. In Venezuela there is a Constitution and a democratic system provided for in it. Secondly, I do not set the date.

She spoke during a joint appearance with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who was in Caracas to formalize new agreements on hydrocarbons. The electoral question comes as Rodríguez’s administration seeks to promote democratic coexistence and secure the definitive lifting of financial sanctions imposed on Venezuela.

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is not ready

U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier that Rodríguez intended to call elections, but that Venezuela “is not ready.” He added that he expected elections to take place “soon.”

The political discussion coincides with an energy agreement described as “historic” by the Trump administration. Under the deal, the United States will take operational control and oversee the exploitation of 17 Venezuelan oil fields, which together hold nearly 20% of the country’s proven crude reserves. Critics accuse Washington of putting energy interests ahead of regional democratization, while the U.S. position is that economic recovery through the oil industry must come before general elections.

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soon