US-backed dialogue to tackle Venezuela's democratic transition

Under the auspices of the United States, representatives of Venezuela's government and a segment of the opposition are preparing to engage in a new dialogue focused on the nation's democratic transition and upcoming presidential elections. This initiative adds to a history of negotiations between the ruling "chavismo" and opposition groups.

The dialogue, scheduled to commence on Saturday, will feature the current National Assembly, led by Jorge Rodríguez, and Dinorah Figuera, who advocates for the continuity of the Parliament elected in 2015. Figuera, who returned to Venezuela in June after eight years in exile following an invitation from the U.S. Department of State, has been tasked with addressing the country's transition. She has acknowledged differences with opposition leader María Corina Machado regarding her role in these discussions.

While the specific members of each delegation remain undisclosed, sources suggest Figuera may be joined by former deputies from the 2015 Parliament, including Jorge Millán, Marco Aurelio Quiñones, and Juan Miguel Matheus. Jorge Rodríguez, brother of acting president Delcy Rodríguez, will lead the government's delegation. The U.S. State Department's involvement underscores the international community's focus on facilitating a democratic path for Venezuela.

The agenda reportedly prioritizes the reconstruction of democratic institutions, the reinforcement of the National Electoral Council, the restoration of guarantees for political participation, and the protection of civil liberties essential for open political debate. Opposition leaders, including Machado and presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, have expressed hopes that this process will yield a timely presidential electoral schedule, emphasizing the need for concrete and verifiable achievements.