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Former political prisoners demand independent judiciary and electoral body in Venezuela
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Elections & Politics

Former political prisoners demand independent judiciary and electoral body in Venezuela

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • At least 84 former political prisoners in Venezuela urged the government-opposition dialogue to establish an independent Supreme Court and National Electoral Council.
  • They argue these institutions are currently aligned with the ruling party and must be reformed to ensure free elections and prevent future dictatorships.
  • The request comes as the first round of dialogue concludes, aiming for a transition following the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

At least 84 former political prisoners and fugitives in Venezuela have called for the establishment of an independent Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) and a National Electoral Council (CNE) as part of the ongoing dialogue between the government and opposition. In a statement released in support of U.S.-backed negotiations, the signatories argued that rebuilding Venezuela necessitates reforming these key institutions.

Only then can the separation of powers that the regime destroyed be restored, and only then can a new dictatorship be prevented from repeating itself in Venezuela.

— SignatoriesIn a statement detailing their demands for institutional reform.

They contend that the current TSJ and CNE are staffed by individuals loyal to the ruling party, hindering democratic processes. "Only then can the separation of powers that the regime destroyed be restored, and only then can a new dictatorship be prevented from repeating itself in Venezuela," the statement read. Notable signatories include former deputies Freddy Superlano and Américo De Grazia, as well as activists Roland Carreño, Nicmer Evans, and Carlos Julio Rojas.

The demand emerged just before the conclusion of the first dialogue session, which began on August 6 in Caracas. The talks aim to facilitate a transition after the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. troops in January. The former detainees expressed confidence that the negotiations offer "the path towards free elections, towards justice, and towards freedom, not only for all political prisoners but for all of Venezuela."

The path towards free elections, towards justice, and towards freedom, not only for all political prisoners but for all of Venezuela.

— Former detaineesExpressing their belief in the negotiation process.

This plea for institutional reform highlights the deep-seated concerns about the rule of law and democratic integrity in Venezuela. The dialogue process itself, led by figures like Jorge Rodríguez for the government and Dinorah Figuera for the opposition, seeks to address consequences of recent earthquakes and the reinstitutionalization of the TSJ and CNE. However, prominent opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia are not participating in the process.

The people of Venezuela need a peaceful transition towards democracy.

— Former detaineesAdding their hopes for the country's future.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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