Following Nicolás Maduro’s removal by U.S. forces in January 2026, interim President Delcy Rodríguez has avoided committing to a firm schedule for the next presidential election, citing the need for national stabilization and institutional reforms. Venezuela’s constitution requires filling a permanent presidential vacancy within defined timeframes, creating pressure for polls potentially by late 2026, though National Assembly leaders have ruled out any immediate vote. Opposition figures, including María Corina Machado, have called for National Electoral Council renewal and safeguards to enable voting within nine to ten months, while recent surveys indicate public preference for an October–December contest. U.S. officials emphasize a deliberate transition without artificial deadlines, leaving trader focus on whether ongoing negotiations will produce an announced date before year-end.