OAS ready to support new elections in Venezuela

The Organization of American States (OAS) stands ready to back a transition to elections in Venezuela, Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin announced. He expressed hope that the country could hold polls with international observers, highlighting the OAS's technical capacity to aid in consensus-building and future planning.

Ramdin's remarks came on the sidelines of the 56th OAS General Assembly in Panama City. He noted that OAS member states agree on expanding democratic spaces in the Americas and that non-democratic governments should move toward democratic governance. Venezuela remains an OAS member, and the organization is prepared to support processes aimed at finding common ground and charting a future agenda.

Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for Venezuelan-led solutions grounded in democracy. He expressed optimism about a path toward free and fair elections in the country. Panama recognizes Edmundo González Urrutia's victory in the July 2024 elections but supports the idea of new elections through dialogue and consensus to guide Venezuela toward democracy.

The article also touches on the complex political situation in Venezuela, mentioning the transition government and past agreements under the Trump administration. It notes that the path to free and transparent elections, as demanded by the opposition led by María Corina Machado, remains unclear.