The Venezuelan citizens who exercised their right to vote in the November 21 regional elections, as well as in the poll to elect their indigenous representatives on November 26 and the January 9 election in the Barinas, did so with the conviction that the political conflict can be resolved under clear rules of democratic coexistence.
The voters who went to the polls in these elections also did so with the conviction that the participation in electoral processes, the mobilization of political actors, and progress in terms of electoral institutions are fundamental steps for the return to the rule of law and the strengthening of all institutions in Venezuela.
This important milestone in the recent political history of Venezuela materialized largely thanks to the work of the new electoral authorities, which resulted in the design and implementation of technical and institutional advances critical to fostering citizen confidence and election transparency.
It is necessary to recognize that the serious limitations and violations that characterized some of the key stages of the electoral process point to the need to advance in strengthening the independence and autonomy of the Electoral Power. In this sense, it is imperative to advance in the restructuring of the National Electoral Council and the reform of the legal framework that regulates electoral processes, in order to grant the electoral body the instruments to fully assume the role of arbitrator and guarantor of democratic institutions.
Venezuelans showed their willingness to support and deepen the electoral path by promoting with their vote the route of understanding and conflict resolution regulated by the legitimate power, and providing important lessons for the political leaders.
These messages ratify the need to advance in the construction of a path of dialogue and permanent political negotiation, wherever necessary, for the strengthening of democratic institutions.
In this context, the Venezuelan Foro Civico platform ratifies its conviction of the need to advance in the process of political negotiation, which currently has its greatest expression in the Mexico talks, as well as to support and strengthen the process of social and political dialogue between all the national actors.
Venezuelans are going through a decisive historical moment. We are called to strengthen the path of political action, revive democratic conviction, and reaffirm the values of coexistence.
Translated by Jose Rafael Medina
