Following Maduro's capture by U.S. forces in January 2026 and subsequent removal, interim President Delcy Rodríguez assumed power under a constitutionally invoked temporary-absence framework that permits up to 180 days before a permanent vacancy triggers an election within 30 days. The National Assembly, still dominated by Chavismo allies, has extended the interim period while emphasizing stabilization over immediate balloting, with President Jorge Rodríguez explicitly ruling out near-term votes in February. Opposition figures, including María Corina Machado, have pressed for National Electoral Council renewal and a vote by late 2026, citing constitutional timelines and public polling that favors an October–December date. The Trump administration continues to condition support on institutional safeguards, leaving the CNE without an announced schedule and sustaining trader focus on whether negotiations will produce a firm timeline before year-end.