Seven months after Trump intervention, US senators seek Venezuela elections

A bipartisan group of US senators is urging for elections in Venezuela, seven months after the Trump administration's intervention led to the installation of an acting president. Republican Senator Ted Cruz and Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen have introduced a resolution that reaffirms US backing for elections in the country, calls for the release of political prisoners, and states that those responsible for harming individuals seeking public office should face punishment.

The resolution emerges amid growing frustration over the perceived lack of substantial change in Venezuela following the Trump administration's efforts to push the government, now led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez, toward free and fair elections. Talks between Venezuela's interim government and a segment of the opposition are scheduled to commence soon. However, Maria Corina Machado, widely considered the country's most popular opposition leader, will not be participating in these discussions.

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The people of Venezuela deserve free, fair, and transparent elections, and it is vital to the national security interests of the United States that those elections occur expeditiously.

Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of swift elections, stating, "The people of Venezuela deserve free, fair, and transparent elections, and it is vital to the national security interests of the United States that those elections occur expeditiously." Senator Shaheen echoed these sentiments, calling for the release of all political prisoners and for all political actors, including Machado, to be permitted to return and engage in political activities safely.

Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, left Venezuela late last year. She has expressed her intention to return to aid in the response to devastating earthquakes that occurred in June, a move that has reportedly caused frustration among US officials who believe it is not the opportune moment. Trump has denied media reports suggesting his administration advised Machado against returning. Machado has also faced public sidelining by Washington.

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authorities in Caracas must release all political prisoners and allow all political actors, including Machado, to safely return and participate in political activity.