Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, has told the United Nations that elections will be held in the South American country, while thanking United States President Donald Trump for restoring diplomatic ties.
Addressing the UN on Wednesday, Rodriguez said plainly: «There will be elections in Venezuela.» Her statement came as she confirmed that she had replaced president Nicolas Maduro following his ouster by US forces in January.
Rodriguez has served as a pliant ally to Washington since taking the interim role, a position that has drawn attention across the Caribbean and Latin America. The restoration of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the United States marks a significant shift in regional politics, with implications for trade, migration and security cooperation.
For Dominica and its Caribbean Community neighbours, the developments in Venezuela are closely watched. Venezuela has historically been a partner in energy cooperation arrangements, including the PetroCaribe initiative, which has benefited several Eastern Caribbean states. Any change in Venezuela's political direction could affect the future of such programmes.
The announcement of elections, though without a specific date, signals a potential return to electoral processes in a country that has experienced prolonged political turmoil. Rodriguez's address to the UN was her first major international appearance since assuming the interim leadership.
She expressed gratitude to President Trump for re-establishing diplomatic channels, a move that reverses years of strained relations. The United States had previously imposed sanctions on Venezuelan officials and refused to recognise Maduro's government.
Maduro's ouster by US forces in January remains a controversial event, with differing interpretations of its legality. Washington has not detailed the operation, and international reactions have been mixed. Some nations have condemned the intervention, while others have quietly accepted the new reality.
Rodriguez's pledge of elections may be an attempt to legitimise the interim administration and secure broader international recognition. However, no timeline has been provided, and it is unclear whether opposition groups will participate.
The United Nations has not yet issued a formal response to her statement. Observers note that any electoral process would require significant international monitoring to be credible.
For the Caribbean, the stability of Venezuela is of particular importance given geographical proximity and shared maritime borders. Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and other islands maintain trade and people-to-people links with Venezuela. A peaceful transition could ease regional tensions, while continued uncertainty might exacerbate migration flows.
Dominica has maintained a position of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, consistent with its foreign policy. The government has not issued a statement on the latest developments.
As the situation evolves, Caribbean leaders are likely to engage through CARICOM to assess the implications for regional security and economic cooperation. The promise of elections, if fulfilled, could mark a new chapter in Venezuela's relations with the hemisphere.
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