Venezuela needs free press, new electoral commission for elections: Rubio

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Venezuela requires a free press and a new electoral commission to conduct elections with guarantees. Five months after the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro, Rubio explained that Venezuela remains in a "recovery phase" before transitioning to political change.

"Part of the recovery phase is creating the conditions for a free and independent press," the top U.S. diplomat stated. He noted an "increase in that activity," but stressed it "has to continue to grow."

Rubio also highlighted the need for political parties to "organize and mobilize, because you cannot participate in an election if you have not had time." He concluded, "And a new electoral committee is needed. We have said it repeatedly."

When asked about the possibility of Venezuela holding elections by late 2027, following the disputed 2024 presidential elections that returned Maduro to power and were unrecognized by the U.S., EU, and Latin American countries, Rubio said, "We would like to see it as soon as possible, but the reality, remember, is that five months have passed, not five years."