Rick Scott: Earthquakes Don't Justify Delaying Venezuela Elections

U.S. Senator Rick Scott has asserted that the recent earthquakes in Venezuela do not provide a valid reason to postpone the country's presidential elections. His comments directly challenge the ruling party's position, which suggests that the ongoing recovery efforts from the natural disaster make it an inappropriate time to discuss electoral processes.

During an interview, Scott insisted that the humanitarian crisis stemming from the earthquakes should not serve as a pretext for suspending the political timeline. "Earthquakes are not a reason to delay the date of an election, so there is no reason to stop this process," he stated. This stance comes as Venezuela faces political uncertainty, with the term of the interim presidency having expired without an election date being set.

Scott also voiced strong criticism of key figures within the ruling party, including Delcy Rodríguez, whom he described as part of the "Maduro regime that repressed the people of Venezuela." He accused Rodríguez and Diosdado Cabello of seeking to "buy time to consolidate their power" and urged the international community not to recognize them.

The senator reiterated his call for democratic elections and urgent measures to address the Venezuelan crisis. He emphasized the need for an election date to be announced soon and for the process to include guarantees for democratic participation. Scott also mentioned ongoing communication with former President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding Venezuela, noting his own desire for a swifter approach to democratic transition than his counterparts.