Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez Addresses UN General Assembly on Elections

Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's acting president, addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 23, 2026, stating that the country would hold elections as part of a transition to what she termed "full democracy." However, she did not provide a specific date for the elections. Rodriguez emphasized that her government has initiated a political dialogue with opposition sectors to ensure a process based on equal conditions for all participants. She stated, "I wish to state this very clearly before this General Assembly: Elections will be held in Venezuela." Rodriguez indicated that the timing of the elections would be determined by the Venezuelan people and assured the UN that the country's institutions would be ready to guarantee an inclusive and transparent electoral process. Rodriguez assumed her role as interim president following a U.S. military operation in January that resulted in the abduction of then-leader Nicolas Maduro, who is currently facing drug trafficking charges in the U.S. This visit marks the first time a Venezuelan head of state has attended the UNGA since Maduro's attendance in 2018. Rodriguez's speech aimed to address both her citizens and the U.S. government, which holds her predecessor. She noted that Venezuela is recovering from setbacks and expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his willingness to resume relations. Rodriguez briefly met with Trump during the assembly to discuss restructuring Venezuela's sovereign debt. Critics have accused Washington of sidelining the Venezuelan opposition and prioritizing oil and investment deals over demands for free elections. Rodriguez concluded her remarks by stating, "Today, Venezuela is being reborn," and acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing that rebuilding the nation's spirit would be a priority.