National reconciliation dialogue between representatives of the Venezuelan interim government and the 2015 National Assembly has yielded tangible advancements in civil liberties and political rights, establishing a foundation for credible elections and a democratic transition. Two rounds of negotiations have concluded with significant outcomes, including the comprehensive reform of an independent Venezuelan Supreme Court, the restoration of access to over seventy previously blocked internet domains, and the reform of key repressive legislation. Additionally, the interim government has released more than one thousand political prisoners and announced the release of nearly two hundred others.
The negotiations bring together representatives of Venezuela’s 2015 National Assembly, led by its President Dinorah Figuera, and representatives of the interim government, led by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. The 2015 National Assembly represents Venezuela’s last democratically elected legislative body, recognized by Venezuelan political parties and the international community.
The delegations convened two rounds of talks in Caracas during August and September, with a third round scheduled to commence on October 14. The parties have agreed to maintain continuous dialogue to sustain the momentum achieved thus far.
The United States has expressed support for this Venezuelan-led process, aiming to establish the conditions necessary for a peaceful and democratic transition. Early accomplishments of the dialogue include the following:
Rebuilding an Independent Supreme Court:
- Following the negotiations, the 2026 National Assembly enacted a law reforming the Supreme Court selection process, with thirty-two new judges slated to be chosen by December. The Supreme Court is responsible for adjudicating any challenges to future election results, highlighting the critical need for a credible selection process.
- The dialogue resulted in the establishment of a seven-member Credentials Council, an unprecedented body composed entirely of judges designed to screen candidates and forward only qualified jurists to the Judicial Nominations Committee. Notably, the 2015 National Assembly selected the majority of this Council.
- The Judicial Nominations Committee, comprising eleven National Assembly members and twelve civil society representatives, will select the thirty-two nominees from the list approved by the Credentials Council.
- This selection process enhances transparency and incorporates safeguards to ensure that the incoming judges are highly qualified and independent from the Maduro regime.
Expanding Freedom of Expression:
- The interim government has restored or partially restored access to over seventy previously blocked internet domains, including El Tiempo, EFE, Revista Semana, El Pitazo, and Efecto Cucuyo.
Reforming Repressive Laws:
- The National Assembly formed a commission to reform and decriminalize penalties within the controversial 2017 Law Against Hatred, which was frequently weaponized by the Maduro regime to imprison opposition leaders and suppress dissent.
- The law prescribed penalties of up to twenty years in prison for the “promotion or incitement of hatred, discrimination, or violence,” though in practice, it was primarily used to prosecute critics of the government.
Releasing Political Prisoners:
- The interim government has released over one thousand political prisoners since the onset of Operation Absolute Resolve. Since the political reconciliation talks commenced in August, an additional one hundred and seventy-seven political prisoners have been announced for release, marking a significant step toward restoring fundamental political freedoms.
- Among the prominent political prisoners released since January 3 are Juan Pablo Guanipa, advisor to Maria Corina Machado and former First Vice President of the National Assembly; Freddy Superlano, former gubernatorial candidate and ex-National Assembly member; and Enrique Márquez, former presidential candidate and ex-Vice President of the National Electoral Council.
- Additionally, exiled opposition figures Claudia Macero and Omar González Moreno, who fled Venezuela due to politically motivated charges, have returned to the country.
What Comes Next:
- The third round of reconciliation talks is scheduled to begin on October 14. Delegations will focus on finalizing the Supreme Court selection process and establishing participation guarantees for individuals and political parties necessary to ensure credible elections.
- Future rounds of dialogue will address reforms to the National Electoral Council, the repeal of remaining repressive laws, and the opening of political space to allow all political parties and leaders to safely return and participate in political life.
- Joint efforts with Venezuela’s interim government to recover gold held in the United Kingdom are also being welcomed and supported.
International stakeholders will continue to support this Venezuelan-led process as it transitions from dialogue to the establishment of durable democratic institutions.
