Democratic elections in Venezuela won’t happen overnight – here’s the groundwork that’s needed first

Chatham House

Published

20 Apr 2026

Policy paper — As Venezuela adjusts to the post-Maduro era, calls for elections are growing among the opposition and foreign governments. The urgent question is how to act quickly enough to take advantage of the new political situation without neglecting the unavoidably complex political and institutional preparatory reforms essential for ensuring credible elections.