Rodríguez pledges Venezuelan elections, gives no date

Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez told the United Nations General Assembly on September 23 that the country would hold elections, but gave no date, saying Venezuelans would determine when the vote should take place. Rodríguez described the election as part of a transition toward what she called full democracy. She said her government had begun dialogue with opposition groups and intended to ensure equal conditions and broad participation. She also said national institutions would be prepared to support an inclusive and transparent process. The remarks set out the government’s stated commitment, but did not provide a timetable or detailed electoral arrangements. The available reporting does not establish whether opposition groups have agreed to participate or how the promised conditions would be guaranteed. Rodríguez made the announcement during her first address to the General Assembly as Venezuela’s acting leader. She said the Venezuelan people would determine the appropriate time for elections and presented the transition as a response to a period of political uncertainty.