Constitutional law experts and academic institutions in Venezuela are raising urgent concerns over the country’s electoral calendar, warning that the deadline to call presidential elections is speedy approaching.
According to a constitutional lawyer cited in local media, the legal window for convening the presidential vote closes on May 3, 2024. Failure to act by that date would trigger serious constitutional questions about the legitimacy of executive power.
The warning comes amid broader criticism from former electoral officials and university law faculties about the state of democratic participation in the country. Dr. Sobella MejÃas, a former rector of the National Electoral Council (CNE), emphasized that for nearly two decades, the electoral registry has not functioned fully across all municipalities and parishes, limiting citizens’ ability to register and vote.
She argued that the CNE has a constitutional duty to ensure the registry operates nationwide, not just in state capitals, so that all Venezuelans over 18 can exercise their right to suffrage.
Adding to the pressure, the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) has publicly demanded that presidential elections be held. The institution, one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious academic bodies, framed the call as a necessary step to uphold constitutional order.
Legal scholars stress that under Venezuela’s constitution, the presidential election must occur in the second half of the year, as the new presidential term begins on January 10. Any delay, they warn, could result in an illegitimate continuation of power.
One constitutional lawyer went further, stating bluntly that if elections are not called, Vice President Delcy RodrÃguez would be exercising authority without legal basis.
The developments underscore growing domestic and international concern over Venezuela’s democratic trajectory, particularly as regional actors monitor compliance with electoral timelines and constitutional norms.
