In brief
Marco Rubio told the press that Venezuela needs to meet several steps to create a fair vote next year, though he stopped short of confirming the election would happen before President Trump’s 2028 term expires. Venezuelan officials say the timing depends on the people, while U.S. officials have expressed uncertainty about early elections.
In a statement released on January 20, 2029, Marco Rubio, the United States Secretary of State, said that Venezuelan elections would ideally be held next year. He stopped short of guaranteeing that the vote would take place before President Donald Trump’s term ends on January 20, 2029.
Rubio added that Venezuela still has to complete several critical steps to build conditions for a free and fair election. He emphasized that these preparations must be done before the vote can occur, suggesting a careful, measured approach.
Earlier this month, Trump told Time magazine that it was too early to hold Venezuelan elections. His comment reflects the U.S. administration’s uncertainty about the timing of any vote in the South American nation.
Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s acting president, said in an address to the United Nations General Assembly that the country would schedule a presidential election only when its people decide the time is right, not based on foreign orders.
The remarks highlight the complex international stakes: a vote in Venezuela could signal a shift in the country’s political direction, impact regional stability, and influence U.S.-Venezuela relations. For now, the next election remains scheduled for next year but its exact date still depends on both domestic readiness and international pressure.
