Interim president calls for national reconciliation, institutional reforms and renewed cooperation with Washington but offers no election timetable
by the El Reportero‘s wire services
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez pledged to hold elections, pursue democratic reforms and overcome years of political confrontation during her address to the United Nations General Assembly. However, she declined to establish a timetable for the promised vote.
Elections and national reconciliation
Rodríguez described her administration’s plans as a transition toward “full democracy,” emphasizing dialogue with opposition groups and equal political participation.
“Elections will be held in Venezuela,” she declared, assuring world leaders that her government had initiated discussions with opposition sectors.
She said Venezuelans themselves would determine the appropriate time for elections, promising an inclusive and transparent process supported by national institutions.
The interim president also urged Venezuelans to abandon political extremism and intolerance, arguing that reconciliation is essential to rebuilding democratic institutions.
A new relationship with Washington
Rodríguez assumed power following the January 2026 U.S. military operation that captured former President Nicolás Maduro, who remains in American custody awaiting trial on drug-trafficking charges.
Her appearance marked the first visit by a Venezuelan head of state to the United States since Maduro attended the General Assembly in 2018.
Rodríguez thanked President Donald Trump for reopening diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two countries.
The leaders met briefly Tuesday, discussing economic cooperation and restructuring Venezuela’s substantial sovereign debt.
Challenges facing the transition
Despite the conciliatory message, significant questions remain about Venezuela’s political future.
Critics contend that Washington has prioritized petroleum investments and economic agreements while reducing pressure for immediate democratic elections.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meanwhile, has emphasized that the political transition should ultimately produce free and fair elections alongside economic stability.
Rodríguez proposed judicial reforms, stronger legal protections and greater political participation. She also appealed for international support while defending Venezuela’s national sovereignty.
Her speech acknowledged the country’s economic difficulties, political divisions and the devastating earthquakes that struck earlier this year.
“Today, Venezuela is being reborn,” she told delegates, while acknowledging that national reconstruction would be difficult.
The central challenge remains translating those promises into measurable reforms, establishing electoral guarantees and determining when Venezuelans will return to the polls.
– Sources: Reuters, The Associated Press, Al Jazeera and United Nations General Assembly coverage, Sept. 23–24, 2026.
