US and Venezuela set path toward new election

· Politics · Venezuela · United States

Venezuela and the US are setting up a path toward elections that would be triggered by declaring a vacancy in the presidency, which has technically been empty since American forces captured Nicolás Maduro in January. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Venezuela's electoral infrastructure was designed to rig elections and must be quickly replaced before a valid vote. Opposition leader María Corina Machado returned from nearly a year of exile and was welcomed by crowds; acting President Delcy Rodríguez said she hopes negotiations with part of the opposition will offer space for all voices. The EU said it hopes authorities seize the chance.

Why it matters：A negotiated election could end years of Venezuelan political crisis but hinge on fragile talks and distrust.

Key points

  • The presidency has technically been vacant since Maduro's capture in January.
  • Rubio said Venezuela's electoral infrastructure must be replaced.
  • Machado returned after nearly a year in exile.

Sources (original reporting)

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