In a recent interview with NBC News, Delcy Rodríguez, who has taken over the presidency following the detention of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores by U.S. forces, stated unequivocally that she is committed to ensuring free and fair elections in Venezuela. However, she emphasized that the timing for such elections would be contingent upon political dialogue within the country. Rodríguez's statements come at a time when the U.S. has been cautiously supportive of her administration, particularly praising her acknowledgment of U.S. oil access demands and actions toward the release of political prisoners.

Nicolás Maduro has been in power in Venezuela since 2013, and his government has faced significant international scrutiny, particularly following the 2019 elections, which were largely deemed by the global community as not free or fair. Despite this, Maduro was proclaimed the winner once again in the 2024 elections, where opposition candidate Edmundo González was recognized by both Venezuelan opposition groups and foreign governments as the true victor of the elections. The ongoing claims of election irregularities and allegations of authoritarianism continue to fuel tensions within the country and beyond.

Rodríguez's defense of Maduro amidst these controversies raises questions about the future of democracy in Venezuela, especially with her administration trying to navigate relationships with the U.S. and addressing violent protests and dissent within the country. As the political landscape evolves, the challenges that Rodríguez faces, including the need for meaningful reforms and genuine democratic processes, will likely impact not only Venezuela's future but also its standing in international relations.