US outlines Venezuela transition plan with judicial and electoral reforms ahead of elections

The United States detailed its roadmap for Venezuela's transition on Monday, October 27, 2026. The plan calls for judicial and electoral reforms before interim leader Delcy Rodríguez declares the presidency vacant and opens a six-month window for elections, likely in 2027.

The proposal follows the return of opposition leader María Corina Machado to Venezuela after nearly a year abroad. It comes just over a week before the US midterm legislative elections.

“As a government, we must use our influence over interim authorities to ensure this process continues advancing responsibly.”

Washington has promoted negotiations since August between Chavismo and an opposition bloc led by Dinorah Figuera. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate has not yet joined that bloc.

The first step involves renewing the Supreme Tribunal of Justice. A commission linked to the 2015 National Assembly and government representatives has proposed 32 magistrates, mainly law professors and jurists. The current assembly, led by Chavista Jorge Rodríguez, must approve the names, with Washington expecting the new court to function by mid-December.

The second phase seeks to reform the National Electoral Council so it becomes a technical body that organizes votes and announces results without the power to exclude candidates or parties. Washington says that power allowed Machado's disqualification in 2024.

After those institutions are renewed, Rodríguez is expected to declare a permanent presidential vacancy, triggering the six-month electoral period. A senior State Department official said the new court should be established by the end of this year and the electoral council shortly after.

US officials have not confirmed whether elections will occur in 2027, despite Machado's demand. Axios reports that the White House also wants progress on Venezuela's debt management alongside the institutional reforms.