The Academy of Political and Social Sciences of Venezuela issued this Tuesday a pronouncement in which he urges the strict application of the Constitution to resolve the vacancy in the Presidency of the Republic, demanding the holding of a new universal, direct and secret election within the next 30 days, starting on April 3.
The document, approved in the Palace of the Academies, indicates that more than 90 days have passed since the president’s absolute absence, so, according to articles 233 and 234 of the Constitution, the absolute absence must be considered formally produced and immediately proceed to call elections.
“The indefinite extension of the exercise of the office of President of the Republic by a non-elected authority is a violation of the democratic principle and the original legitimacy of the National Executive Branch,” the text states.
The Academy remembers that the executive vice president, appointed by the president himself and not popularly elected, can only take office on a temporary and provisional basis. Once the 90-day period provided for in Article 234 has expired—which expired on April 3, 2026 without the National Assembly extending it—the constitutional mechanism for new elections is automatically activated.
Among the central points of the statement are:
- The position of President of the Republic cannot be filled indefinitely due to administrative continuity, since it is a popularly elected position and head of State.
- Any interpretation that ignores the right of the Venezuelan people to elect their president violates the democratic principle and the rule of law.
- The National Assembly is urged to establish a plural National Electoral Council (CNE), made up of independent people and without political-partisan ties, as established in article 296 of the Constitution.
- The Electoral Branch must guarantee conditions of equality, transparency and reliability, including the authorization of political parties and candidates disqualified through administrative means.
The academic institution also highlights the need to allow all Venezuelans to vote, whether or not they are in the national territory, respecting the free, universal, direct and secret nature of the vote enshrined in article 63 of the Magna Carta.
“The reestablishment of the constitutional order must comply with the principles of legality, separation of powers and full respect for the civil, political, social and economic rights of all citizens,” the document concludes.
The Academy of Political and Social Sciences reiterated its willingness to contribute, from its academic and consultative role, to the search for institutional solutions that strengthen Venezuelan democracy.
