During a session at the Oval Office this Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed that Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, is eager for elections to be held in her country. However, he noted that the government is not yet in a position to organize them, according to information from EFE news agency.
The president's remarks came in response to a direct inquiry from the press regarding why the U.S. is not pressing Caracas to set a specific date for elections.
"I just don't think they're prepared yet. It's very recent. We've pulled them out of a dictatorship, and we have a good relationship with the government. Delcy, as you know, is doing a very, very good job. She is highly respected. We want elections, and so do they. Delcy wants them, but they are not ready yet," Trump told journalists.
He reiterated, "They're not ready yet. But soon. We hope to have them soon."
Venezuela's Transformation Fuels Diplomatic Activity
Trump justified the delay by highlighting the significant transformation Venezuela is undergoing following the capture of Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
"We pulled them out of a very powerful and ruthless dictatorship, where many people were imprisoned. Most of them, who were political prisoners, have been released," he emphasized.
The U.S. president's comments coincide with a period of heightened diplomatic and economic engagement concerning Venezuela. Last week, Trump unveiled what he termed a "historic" agreement, granting the United States control over the exploitation of 17 Venezuelan oil fields, which hold nearly 20% of the country's crude reserves.
This Wednesday, Venezuela also signed additional agreements with Chevron and Eni in the presence of the U.S. Secretary of Energy, while PDVSA forged an alliance with General Electric Vernova to restore electrical infrastructure.
Balancing Oil Interests and Democratic Goals
The oil agreement has sparked criticism from those who believe Washington is prioritizing oil access over the country's democratization. The Trump administration counters this by asserting that economic recovery is a prerequisite for conducting genuinely free elections.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio elaborated on this point, outlining a three-phase transition plan: stabilization, economic recovery, and political transition. Rubio warned that rushing into elections using the current institutional framework inherited from the Chávez era would not ensure a democratic process.
"If elections were held tomorrow in Venezuela, they'd use the existing machinery. Clearly, that machinery won't provide a fair system. There's a lot to clean up," he stated.
He listed several prerequisites for legitimate elections: time and resources for opposition parties to organize, a free press, a renewed National Electoral Council, a trustworthy voting system, and international observation.
Rubio also confirmed that María Corina Machado "has every right to enter her country whenever she chooses to return" and does not need Washington's permission to do so.
Trump's stance this Wednesday aligns with his previous statements in July, where he said Venezuela is "not really ready" for elections yet, though he acknowledged improvements since Maduro's regime fell.
Rubio announced that a new round of negotiations is scheduled for October between the interim government and the National Assembly elected in 2015, recognized by Washington as the legitimate representation.
"Ultimately, the time will come for Venezuela to be governed by a democratically elected administration," concluded the Secretary of State.
Key Questions About Venezuela's Electoral Future
Why does Trump think Venezuela is not ready for elections?
Trump believes Venezuela is not ready for elections due to the recent nature of the political changes and the need to transition from a dictatorship to a stable governmental structure.
What are the prerequisites for legitimate elections in Venezuela?
Prerequisites include organized opposition parties, a free press, a renewed National Electoral Council, a reliable voting system, and international observation.
What is the significance of the oil agreement between the U.S. and Venezuela?
The agreement allows the U.S. to control the exploitation of 17 Venezuelan oil fields, which is seen as a step towards economic recovery, a prerequisite for democratic elections according to the Trump administration.