Centrados en la Gente backs Panama Manifesto, demands comprehensive democratic route for Venezuela

The Venezuelan political party Centrados en la Gente has officially endorsed the Panama Manifesto, reaffirming its commitment to restoring democracy in the country. The party's National Directorate issued a statement on May 29, 2026, expressing firm support for the document, which was signed by democratic forces under the leadership of María Corina Machado. The organization's general secretary, José Luis Farías, actively participated in its development.

Centrados en la Gente underscored that the demand for free presidential elections is an undeniable mandate derived from popular sovereignty, as expressed on July 28, 2024. However, the party cautioned against viewing the Venezuelan crisis solely through the lens of an electoral event, labeling such a focus as "reductive and negligent" given the complexity of the nation's transition. They argue that national reconstruction is not a linear process but a simultaneous endeavor built upon three fundamental, indivisible pillars.

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Whoever intends to defer negotiation until after the elections ignores that without electoral guarantees, the vote will be a farce.

This comprehensive approach necessitates immediate political negotiation with the "interim regime" to secure genuine guarantees. These include the appointment of new members to the National Electoral Council, a verifiable electoral timeline, and the dismantling of the repressive apparatus. Furthermore, the party advocates for the prior construction of a broad national agreement involving professional guilds, religious institutions, universities, and civil society to ensure governability. All these elements must converge to facilitate a sovereign presidential election. "Whoever intends to defer negotiation until after the elections ignores that without electoral guarantees, the vote will be a farce," the party's text stated, asserting that these factors must operate in unison.

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the building is Venezuelan, and it must be erected by the nation's citizens.

Regarding international involvement, Centrados en la Gente referenced a three-phase plan proposed by the United States government, as announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While valuing this support as a strategic framework, the party emphatically reminded that "the building is Venezuelan, and it must be erected by the nation's citizens." They insisted that the release of political prisoners, the return of exiles, and the normalization of civic space are the minimum essential conditions for an authentic election to occur.

Finally, the party's National Directorate highlighted the urgency of the humanitarian crisis, stating that "humanitarian emergency does not wait." Their position remains steadfastly alongside the forces led by María Corina Machado. Centrados en la Gente called for unity not just as a slogan but as a mode of action, urging all sectors, both within Venezuela and abroad, to join an agreement that precedes and transcends elections. Their core premise is that Venezuela must simultaneously and without delay address the electoral urgency and the construction of social peace.

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humanitarian emergency does not wait.