Women’s Rise in Venezuelan and Trinidadian Politics Amid Maduro’s US-Led Removal
A dramatic political shift has gripped Venezuela, where Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has emerged as the country’s first female acting president following the arrest and removal of Nicolás Maduro by US forces.
This development, unfolding on Saturday amid heightened tensions in the Caribbean, highlights the growing influence of women in the region’s leadership. Analysts point to Venezuela’s constitution, which outlines two pathways for Rodríguez’s ascension, both bypassing Maduro.
The scenarios stem from Articles 233 and 234 of the Venezuelan constitution. Under Article 233, Maduro could be deemed “absolutely absent,” triggering an immediate presidential election within 30 days. During this interim, Rodríguez would serve as acting president, the first woman in that role, until voters choose a successor.
Alternatively, if parliament declares Maduro “temporarily absent” per Article 233, Rodríguez assumes acting duties for up to 90 days. Parliament could then extend her tenure for another 90 days or shift to an “absolute absence” declaration, prompting elections within 30 days thereafter.
These provisions ensure continuity amid crisis, though their invocation remains under parliamentary debate.
Neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago adds intrigue, with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar issuing a statement distancing her government from the US operation.
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Earlier accused of aiding the intervention, Persad-Bissessar had publicly backed Donald Trump’s actions, defying fellow Caricom leaders.
Her stance drew protests after Trinidadian lives were lost in US strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels from Venezuela.Tensions between Persad-Bissessar and Rodríguez escalated over recent months, culminating in Venezuela’s parliament declaring the Trinidadian leader persona non grata.
Now, with Rodríguez acting as Venezuela’s head of state, observers watch how these two women navigate their fraught bilateral ties.Trinidad and Tobago itself boasts an all-female top leadership echelon.
Ceremonial President Christine Kangaloo holds office, while opposition leader Penelope Beckles Farrell, a seasoned lawyer and head of the People’s National Movement (PNM), keeps Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s United National Congress (UNC) government in check through robust parliamentary scrutiny.
In Venezuela, opposition heavyweights María Corina Machado and Corina Yoris Villasana represent further female political firepower.
Both sought to challenge Maduro in 2024 elections but faced regime blocks,Machado first, then Villasana as her endorsed successor.
Machado, recently honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize for advancing democracy and peace, stands poised to contest if snap elections materialise within 30 or post-90 days.
Rodríguez’s own electoral ambitions remain unclear as she steps into the acting presidency.
This convergence of events underscores a pivotal moment for women in Caribbean politics, from Venezuela’s socialist stronghold to Trinidad’s democratic arena.
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As constitutional mechanisms play out, their roles could reshape regional dynamics.
Experts anticipate close scrutiny on how these leaders balance domestic pressures, US influence, and inter-island relations.
For now, Rodríguez’s ascent marks a historic milestone amid uncertainty.
