Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodriguez Promises Future Elections During Historic UN General Assembly Address

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City, US, on September 23, 2026 [Eduardo Munoz/Reuters]. During her speech on Wednesday, Venezuela's acting president assured the international body that the nation would conduct elections as part of a transition toward full democracy, though she omitted a specific timeline for the vote.

“I wish to state this very clearly before this General Assembly: Elections will be held in Venezuela,” Delcy Rodriguez stated, highlighting that her administration has initiated a political dialogue with opposition sectors to establish a process built on equal conditions for all participants. She noted that the Venezuelan people will decide the ideal timing for the elections and promised that national institutions will be ready to ensure an inclusive and transparent process.

Rodriguez assumed the role of interim president following a surprise United States military raid in January that removed then-leader Nicolas Maduro and transported him to the US to face drug trafficking charges. This address marks the first visit to the US by a Venezuelan head of state since 2018. Nicolas Maduro is currently detained a short distance from the UN headquarters awaiting trial.

Her appearance at the international forum represents a significant step in Venezuela's return to global diplomacy. During her closely watched address directed at both domestic citizens and the US government, she mentioned that the nation is recovering from recent setbacks and thanked US President Donald Trump for his willingness to restore relations.

Rodriguez held a brief meeting with Donald Trump on the sidelines of the assembly on Tuesday to discuss topics including the restructuring of the South American nation's sovereign debt. Meanwhile, critics argue that Washington has marginalized the Venezuelan opposition by prioritizing oil and investment agreements with the interim government over demands for open elections.

“Today, Venezuela is being reborn,” Rodriguez declared to the international forum. Addressing her citizens directly, she added, “I do not promise you an easy way forward. Rebuilding our national soul will be the priority.”