Electoral Mirage in Venezuela

Jesús Sánchez Meleán

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During her address to the UN General Assembly, Delcy Rodríguez appealed to a narrative of pacification and “democratic rebirth” intended to whitewash the Venezuelan political crisis. The de facto president promised that “there will be elections,” a claim that several media outlets hastily celebrated without analyzing the total absence of a concrete schedule. Under the discretion of the interim presidency she shares with her brother—the so-called “Rodrigato”—electoral dates remain subject to the whim of the power in turn.

It is ironic that, under this scheme, the regime intends to undermine the priority of electoral processes. Instead of immediately calling for presidential elections, common sense is displaced to make way for minor consultations, such as student union elections or carnival pageants, leaving the election of the national leader for “when pigs fly”. Democratic logic dictates that the highest office must be the first to be submitted to the popular will in order to restructure the institutional order, not the other way around.

Electoral Mirage in Venezuela

Likewise, the passivity with which her assertion that “democracy is not measured by the existence of elections” was received causes deep concern. I categorically disagree with that stance. The exercise of a transparent and competitive vote is precisely the civilized path to achieving governance and origin legitimacy. By simultaneously disqualifying the opposition, the de facto president not only seeks to control the electoral calendar but also attempts to tailor the line-up of competitors against whom the “Rodrigato” is willing to compete.

Added to this outlook is an even more disheartening fact. Rodríguez projects herself as the only solvent figure within the ruling structure, benefiting from dismissals and immunities that grant her a true letter of marque to act outside independent scrutiny. For this reason, the indignation of Venezuelans is reflected in civic demonstrations, such as the banner displayed in the vicinity of the summit in New York.

Electoral Mirage in Venezuela

On the banner—a true work of art—they tell the de facto president, “do not dress in silk, the orange uniform suits you better,” referencing the color of uniforms worn by inmates in U.S. prisons. As long as the “Rodrigato” seeks to tie down all power for its own convenience, promises of institutional openness in international forums will remain a maneuver to perpetuate arbitrariness. Make no mistake.

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