Venezuela's Interim Leader Rodríguez Promises Elections at UN
Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, in her first address to the UN General Assembly, promised that elections would be held and that the nation's people would determine the timing.
Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's interim leader, announced that elections would be held in her country during her first address to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. Rodríguez stated that the Venezuelan people would determine the timing of the elections and that a dialogue had been initiated with opposition groups to ensure a fair process.
These remarks by Rodríguez mark her first international platform speech since assuming power after the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro by the United States. This speech is seen as a significant turning point in Venezuela's reintegration into global diplomacy.
Highlights
- Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez pledged that elections would be held in Venezuela at the UN General Assembly.
- She emphasized that the timing of the elections would be determined by the Venezuelan people.
- She announced that her government had initiated a political dialogue with opposition sectors.
- She met with President Donald Trump to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
- She stated that her country is recovering strongly despite setbacks experienced this year.
Details
Delcy Rodríguez addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. In her speech, she recalled that more than 6,500 people died in two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that struck her country this year, causing widespread devastation. She also spoke of a political crisis that had affected national life.
Rodríguez took over after former leader Nicolás Maduro was captured in a U.S. military operation in January and brought to the U.S. to face drug trafficking charges. This marked the first trip to the United States by a Venezuelan head of state since 2018. On Tuesday, Rodríguez held a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump at a reception in New York. The discussion covered cooperation in strategic areas such as energy, mining, security, and the fight against transnational crime.
Last month, an agreement was announced between the U.S. and Venezuela, giving the U.S. a stake in Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Rodríguez described this deal as a step towards economic recovery that would modernize the country's oil industry. U.S. influence in Venezuela has grown following the lifting of sanctions against Rodríguez in April.
Why it matters
Delcy Rodríguez's speech at the UN General Assembly and her meeting with U.S. President Trump are seen as critical steps in Venezuela's efforts to break its international isolation and re-establish diplomatic relations. The promise of elections and dialogue with the opposition indicates a search for stability in the country's internal politics. Furthermore, cooperation with the U.S. in energy and security sectors could have significant implications for regional and global balances.