The US supported the start of political dialogue for a democratic transition in Venezuela

The United States Government supported the start of a new instance of political dialogue in Venezuela on Thursday, aimed at rebuilding the electoral system, strengthening institutions, and advancing towards a democratic transition with real guarantees for citizens.

The statement came after a meeting held in Caracas between Jorge Rodríguez, head of the National Assembly controlled by chavismo, and Dinorah Figuera, president of the Parliament elected in 2015, considered by Washington as the last Venezuelan institution arising from internationally recognized democratic elections.

The State Department stated that the meeting represents a first step within a broader agenda, which should include the reconstruction of democratic institutions, strengthening the National Electoral Council, restoring lasting guarantees for political participation, and defending the civic freedoms essential for an open public debate.

The electoral issue appears as the central axis of the process. Venezuela has been dragging a deep crisis of confidence regarding its elections for years, marked by allegations of proscription, institutional manipulation, and lack of guarantees for the opposition. In this context, Washington considers it essential to move towards a credible electoral body capable of organizing elections accepted by all sectors.

Figuera, who returned to the country after eight years outside Venezuela, stated that she accepted an invitation from the State Department to participate in an agenda aimed at seeking agreements on political rights, public freedoms, and institutional mechanisms to resolve differences.

Before the meeting, the opposition leader pointed out that one of the central challenges will be to work on the formation of a reliable National Electoral Council. The same line had been raised in early June by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that Venezuela needs a new electoral committee to move towards elections with sufficient guarantees.

The meeting took place at the Federal Legislative Palace and opened a phase of conversations that, according to Washington, should continue in the coming weeks in Caracas. The declared goal is to establish a formal roadmap, with verifiable reforms and lasting political rules.

The United States is now seeking to organize a gradual process, with political and technical steps that allow for a democratic exit. The Venezuelan transition, so often promised and always hindered by chavismo, this time seems to arrive alongside the administration of Donald Trump.