Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuelaintends to follow in the footsteps of Mexico, because it called for a citizen consultation for the election of justices of the peace in your country.
According to what was reported by the Venezuelan president in the Maduro Live radio programthe election of judges by popular vote It will be carried out before the end of 2024.
In the same way, Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuelamaintained that in the election through popular vote, approximately 6 thousand positions of justices of the peace will be defined in at least a thousand districts.
When will the consultation be to elect judges by popular vote in Venezuela?
Nicolás Maduro seems to have copied Mexico, because he called for a consultation to elect justices of the peace by popular vote in the so-called “communal circuits” of Venezuela.
When reporting on the process, the president explained that the consultation will take place on December 15, a few days before the swearing-in of the president of Venezuela.
The election of justices of the peace announced by Nicolás Maduro It will be carried out “in at least a thousand communal districts” and, according to the president of Venezuela, it is part of the “transformation and democratization of the justice system.”
Who will be the new president of Venezuela?
After the elections held last July 2024, Nicolás Maduro declared himself the winner and president-elect for the next period of administration of Venezuela.
However, Edmundo González Urrutiawho was also a candidate for the presidency, presented certified copies with electronic fingerprints of all the minutes that rectify that it was he who won the elections.
Edmundo González Urrutia would have obtained 67% of votes, while Nicolas Maduro31%. The data was endorsed by the Carter Center, the only international observer in those elections.
Given the concern of being imprisoned, Edmundo González Urrutia He traveled to Spain and has indicated that he will return on January 10, 2025 to be sworn in as the new president of Venezuela.
Nicolas Maduro He maintains that he will be the one who takes office that day to complete a new term of government, the third in a row.
The citizen consultation to elect justices of the peace in Venezuelais being interpreted as a diversion of attention to the conflict over who will occupy the presidency of this country.
What impact could the election of justices of the peace have on local governance in Venezuela?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on Venezuela’s Upcoming Judicial Changes
Time.news Editor: Good day, and welcome to another edition of Time.news Insights. Today, we are discussing a significant development in Venezuela, where President Nicolás Maduro has announced plans to hold a citizen consultation for the election of justices of the peace by popular vote. Joining us to dissect this initiative is Dr. Maria Lopez, a political analyst with extensive expertise in Latin American governance. Thank you for being here, Dr. Lopez.
Dr. Maria Lopez: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here!
Editor: Let’s dive right in. President Maduro’s announcement draws inspiration from Mexico’s recent citizen consultations. What do you make of this approach?
Dr. Lopez: It’s an intriguing move. By proposing a consultation for the election of justices of the peace, Maduro is attempting to enhance the legitimacy of the judiciary in Venezuela. Public participation in selecting judges can be a means to foster accountability. However, one must consider the underlying political motives—especially given Venezuela’s complicated electoral history.
Editor: That’s an excellent point. Maduro stated that the consultation will occur on December 15, just before the new presidential term begins. What do you think about the timing of this consultation?
Dr. Lopez: The timing is quite strategic. By aligning the consultation with a significant political milestone—the swearing-in of the president—Maduro could be looking to consolidate power while attempting to project an image of democratic renewal. It could also serve to distract from other pressing issues facing his administration, like economic crises and human rights concerns.
Editor: You mentioned the significance of the judiciary’s legitimacy. With nearly 6,000 justices of the peace to be elected across various communal circuits, how impactful could this be for Venezuelan society?
Dr. Lopez: The election of justices of the peace may have a direct impact on local governance and community justice mechanisms. These positions are often crucial in resolving conflicts at the community level. However, the effectiveness of this initiative depends heavily on how free and fair the election process is. If the elections are manipulated, it could lead to disillusionment rather than empowerment among the populace.
Editor: It’s essential to consider the electoral integrity. How do you assess the response from Venezuelans towards this announcement? Do you think they see it as a genuine reform or as a political maneuver?
Dr. Lopez: From what surveys have indicated, the Venezuelan public is quite skeptical of government initiatives due to past experiences. Many citizens may see this as a potential political maneuver rather than a genuine reform. The public’s trust hinges on whether they can verify that the process will be transparent and free from government interference.
Editor: What are the potential challenges Maduro might face in implementing this consultation and subsequent elections?
Dr. Lopez: Several challenges loom large. Firstly, logistical issues related to organizing such an extensive election in a country facing economic and infrastructural difficulties. Secondly, there are concerns regarding voter suppression or intimidation, which could undermine participation. Lastly, there’s the overarching political instability that could impact the credibility of the process.
Editor: Very insightful, Dr. Lopez. As we look ahead, what should observers watch for in the coming months regarding this situation in Venezuela?
Dr. Lopez: It’s crucial to monitor the government’s preparations for the consultation and their engagement with civil society. Watch for any dissenting voices and how they are treated as we approach the consultation date. Additionally, keep an eye on international responses, as they could influence subsequent actions by Maduro’s administration.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today, Dr. Lopez. It’s a complex landscape, and we will certainly follow the developments closely.
Dr. Lopez: Thank you for having me. It’s important to stay informed, and I look forward to discussing further developments as they unfold.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Join us next time as we continue to observe global affairs.