Overview
- In a Politico interview, María Corina Machado said a full transition to manual-ballot national elections could be completed in nine to ten months.
- President Trump has suggested the United States could retain control for years to guide development of Venezuela's vast oil reserves.
- Machado met Trump at the White House after U.S. forces arrested Nicolás Maduro, but she said they did not set a schedule for new elections.
- Lawmakers from both U.S. parties are pressing for a rapid transfer of governing authority to Venezuelan institutions.
- Machado argues Venezuela's democratic culture, organized civil society and support within the armed forces make a swift electoral transition feasible.