Following twin earthquakes that killed 4,829 people and injured 16,740 in Venezuela last month, recovery efforts have prioritized humanitarian aid over political reform. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who took office after the removal of Nicolás Maduro in January, has not yet established a timetable for presidential elections. Rodríguez stated last week that critics are using the disaster to conspire against the government, while opposition activists say the state of emergency is being used to delay a democratic transition.
The U.S. government is currently collaborating with the Rodríguez administration, focusing primarily on the recovery of the Venezuelan oil industry. Meanwhile, opposition leader María Corina Machado continues to call for immediate electoral preparations, arguing that the country is ready for a transparent process. Other analysts, such as former diplomat Vladimir Villegas, suggest that the electoral council and supreme court must be reformed before a fair vote can occur.
Opposition groups, including Machado’s Vente Venezuela party, are currently focused on distributing medical supplies and disaster relief in the hardest-hit areas like La Guaira. While some political prisoners have been released, many activists continue to face legal restrictions and charges of conspiracy. Disputes remain within the opposition regarding the best strategy for engaging with the current administration and the National Assembly.