Venezuela Election Hopes Rise as Machado Suggests 2026 Vote

Machado Says Elections Could Happen in a Few Months

Politico asked Machado whether she believed Venezuela could hold elections “later this year.” She said that a full transfer of power with manual voting might be possible in about nine to ten months, depending on when preparations begin.

Her comments come at a time when Venezuela’s political landscape has changed dramatically since the U.S. military captured long-time leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this year. This has created space for a contested transition.

Source: Al Jazeera/Website

Opposition Party’s Strong Showing And U.S. Engagement

Machado’s party said it received about 70% of the vote in the opposition’s 2024 election cycle, showing that she has strong support among opposition members. She met with U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. lawmakers in January, signaling international interest in Venezuela’s political future.

Trump has said he might involve Machado “in some way” in Venezuela’s transition, even though U.S. policy still supports interim President Delcy Rodríguez. This reflects a complicated diplomatic balancing act.

Problems Still Exist With Election Timing

Even though Machado is hopeful, other leaders have different timelines in mind. People close to Rodríguez and her allies have said that elections will not happen anytime soon. This suggests a longer path to political stability and dialogue before a vote can take place. Rodríguez has repeatedly said that elections are required by the constitution, but she has not provided a specific date.

U.S. intelligence sources have also raised doubts about Rodríguez’s full support for U.S. strategies, highlighting continued uncertainty about how quickly democratic reforms can be implemented.

The Bigger Political Picture

The election debate comes as Venezuela works more closely with other countries on security and diplomacy. High-level visits from the U.S. emphasize cooperation on issues such as drug trafficking and energy. At the same time, public pressure within Venezuela remains strong as political leaders and citizens call for a democratic transition.

Political negotiations, institutional preparations, and agreement among Venezuelan groups and international stakeholders will determine whether elections happen in 2026. Analysts say that timelines may shift as developments unfold.