Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Tuesday not to expect “instant results” in the process of transitioning Venezuela from an authoritarian to a democratic state.

It has been seven months since the United States toppled Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro from power and established authority in the South American country, with officials touting a three-phase plan to transition Caracas from U.S. oversight to full independence once key reforms have been instituted. Maria Corina Machado, widely recognized as the leader of Venezuelan democratic opposition to the socialist regime, expressed hope after the American intervention that fair elections could be held by November.