Rubio cautions that Venezuela's democratic elections will take months, not weeks

In an interview, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Venezuela’s path to democratic elections will likely span months rather than weeks, underscoring the need for press liberty, multi-party participation, national reconciliation, and a reliable vote-counting body. He referenced the three-phase U.S. plan that began seven months after the removal of Nicolas Maduro and cited Paraguay’s three-and-a-half-year transition as a benchmark.

Opposition figure Maria Corina Machado had expressed confidence that elections could be held by November, but Rubio’s remarks temper that expectation. The comments come after recent talks between Venezuela’s interim authorities and opposition groups aimed at rebuilding democratic institutions. Rubio stressed that while progress is evident, patience is essential for a legitimate transition. He reiterated U.S. commitment to supporting the process without promising rapid outcomes.