Fourth round of transition dialogue begins in Venezuela

According to the national press, many issues are expected to be discussed during the meetings of the parties, especially the renewal of the country's highest judicial body, the determination of the election date and the situation of political prisoners.

The delegations chaired by the President of the National Assembly (AN) Jorge Rodriguez and the opposition politician Dinorah Figuera agreed to take back the Venezuelan gold held in the Bank of England (BoE) and reopen closed news sites, including the Spanish news agency EFE.

Figuera stated that "fair and reliable elections" can be held in Venezuela late next year or in early 2028, and that for this to happen, the electoral system must first be reorganized and the reliability of the voting process must be ensured.

Although it was one of the most important demands of various segments, the parties could not reach a concrete agreement on the organization of elections in the remaining 3 rounds of talks.

In addition to determining the election date, an agreement has not yet been reached on the renewal of the National Electoral Council (CNE), which is at the center of allegations of fraud in the 2024 presidential elections and declared Nicolas Maduro the winner without publishing the election minutes.

On the other hand, the removal of access blocks to approximately 100 websites and the release of detainees, especially political prisoners, are among the issues awaiting solution.

agreed upon topics

In the negotiations that started in August, the parties agreed to completely renew the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), which the opposition and human rights organizations argued was under government control.

Nomination applications continue in the process, which is expected to be completed on December 11 with the appointment of new judges.

The parties also agreed to review the laws used to impose political bans on politicians such as Nobel Peace Prize-winning opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

The delegations also decided to reconsider the definition of "terrorism" and related criminal provisions in the legislation, which non-governmental organizations said were used to accuse government opponents and critics.

Machado returned to his country

Nobel Peace Prize-winning opposition politician Maria Corina Machado had met with opposition activists, relatives of political prisoners, university students and citizens affected by the two major earthquakes that occurred in June, since her return on October 25.

Although Machado's party and his team have not participated in any meetings with the ruling party so far, they have not closed the door to a possible dialogue.

Machado returned to his country, which he secretly left on December 7, 2025, on October 25. Arriving in Caracas accompanied by a convoy, Machado was welcomed by his supporters.

Legal uncertainty and the risk of arrest regarding Machado, who returned to his country after approximately 10 months of exile, continues.

An arrest warrant in absentia was issued for Machado by the Caracas Terrorism Courts on charges of "terrorism" and "treason".

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Venezuela should hold elections by making arrangements with the Supreme Court and the National Electoral Council within the agreed upon schedule.