Delcy Rodríguez shows no hurry to call elections: "I don't know, someday"

Caracas, Venezuela – Delcy Rodríguez, the current head of Venezuela's government, has conspicuously sidestepped questions regarding a timeline for the nation's upcoming presidential elections. When pressed by a journalist from The New York Times on Friday, May 1st, about when the official call for elections would be made, Rodríguez offered a dismissive "I don't know, someday" before departing without further comment.

Rodríguez assumed leadership of the Venezuelan administration following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3rd. Despite the interim nature of her position, reports indicate she is currently undertaking a national tour, which opposition figures have characterized as an "early campaign pilgrimage," even in the absence of an official election announcement.

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I don't know, someday.

The National Electoral Council (CNE) has remained silent on the electoral schedule needed to fill the presidential vacancy. This institutional silence is mirrored by Diosdado Cabello, who recently stated that the electoral process would proceed "when the time comes," also refusing to provide a specific date.

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The Venezuelan Constitution is very clear and, in effect, establishes that in case of an absolute absence, and no one can doubt that there is an absolute absence of Mr. Nicolás Maduro, elections must be called within the following 30 days.

In stark contrast to Rodríguez's evasiveness, opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, María Corina Machado, has been vocal about her readiness to participate in an electoral process and has underscored the legal obligation to adhere to established timelines. Machado has repeatedly emphasized that the Venezuelan Constitution is explicit: "The Venezuelan Constitution is very clear and, in effect, establishes that in case of an absolute absence, and no one can doubt that there is an absolute absence of Mr. Nicolás Maduro, elections must be called within the following 30 days," she stated in a recent interview, stressing that the call should occur "as soon as possible."

The lack of an official electoral calendar and the evasive responses from both Rodríguez and Cabello continue to keep the public focused on the adherence to constitutional procedures in the coming days. The opposition and international observers are closely watching for any signs of a genuine commitment to democratic processes.

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The call must happen as soon as possible.