In a recent interview with NBC News, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez asserted her commitment to holding free and fair elections in the country. She confirmed, "absolutely, yes," when questioned about her dedication to facilitating electoral integrity, although she noted that the timing of the elections would depend on ongoing political dialogue. This statement comes amidst a backdrop of political turmoil in Venezuela, where the legitimacy of the government has been widely questioned by international observers.

Rodriguez, who previously served as the country's vice president, took over the presidency following an incident where Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores were reportedly kidnapped by U.S. soldiers. She used the interview to defend Maduro's position, declaring him the "legitimate president" of Venezuela, in direct response to criticism from the United States. Rodriguez maintains that the allegations against Maduro are unfounded and that he has not committed the crimes that the U.S. has accused him of.

This commitment to a democratic process in Venezuela, although welcomed by some, comes with skepticism given the country's tumultuous political history and the challenges it faces under Maduro's leadership. The statement signals potential changes in Venezuela's electoral landscape, but it also highlights the complexities of the political negotiations that will shape the future of governance in the country.