Venezuelan opposition figure Edmundo González called Saturday for new presidential elections as interim President Delcy Rodríguez approaches the five-month mark of her administration following the U.S. military intervention that removed Nicolás Maduro from power in early January.

The 76-year-old former diplomat, who was recognized by several countries as the legitimate winner of Venezuela's July 2024 elections, posted on social media that it is time to "build the conditions for holding presidential elections" to contribute to the country's re-institutionalization and establish foundations for stable government.

González gained prominence as a substitute candidate for opposition leader María Corina Machado, who was barred from participating in the 2024 elections. Electoral records showing González's victory over Maduro were deemed credible by international observers, though the results sparked a post-election crisis and street protests amid opposition allegations of fraud.

Rodríguez assumed power on January 5 following Maduro's arrest. Both Maduro and his wife are currently being prosecuted in the United States. The Trump administration has recognized Rodríguez as Venezuela's president, leading to progress on agreements including sanctions relief, oil sector negotiations, and diplomatic normalization.

González, who has been in exile in Spain since September 2024 due to an arrest warrant issued by Maduro's former administration on conspiracy and document falsification charges, stated that any electoral process must include independent oversight, international observation, and political pluralism. He also demanded the release of political prisoners and an end to political persecution as non-negotiable conditions.

Neither the Venezuelan government nor Washington has indicated that elections are imminent. The U.S. recognition of Rodríguez has allowed Venezuela to reestablish ties with Western financial institutions and work more freely with American investors.