Venezuela’s post-Maduro transition continues to shape expectations around the timing of the next presidential election. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez stated in early September that voting will occur only when the country “is ready,” without committing to a schedule. U.S.-backed talks between the ruling party, led by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, and a segment of the opposition began in early August and focus on institutional reforms, including changes to the National Electoral Council and Supreme Court, alongside expanded political freedoms. U.S. officials have emphasized the need for verifiable conditions such as multi-party participation and accurate vote counting before any vote, describing the process as requiring weeks or months rather than years. Opposition figures including María Corina Machado have stayed outside the current negotiations, while recent municipal elections and ongoing dialogue sessions scheduled for September remain the nearest procedural markers.