The government and the opposition resumed talks after a suspension of almost a year to end the political stalemate in Venezuela last month. According to multiple sources including the BBC, talks between the Venezuelan government and the opposition leaders held in Barbados led to the signing of an agreement to make the next presidential elections free and fair. The Barbados Agreement is definitely a positive step and has the potential to resolve the political deadlock in Venezuela resulting from the 2018 presidential election — which was termed by the government as credible and by the opposition as manipulated — that led to political protests, the arrests of many opposition leaders, the opposition leader’s declaration of himself as the interim president and international sanctions.
But it remains unclear whether the 2024 presidential elections will be free and fair in the Andean country, which has held several talks to end its political deadlock. It is notable that there are enforcement based and other challenges to holding free and fair elections in Venezuela. But the enforcement of the Barbados Agreement remains a crucial challenge in the coming days to holding free and fair elections. The lack of independence in the electoral system and Maduro’s firm grip on power may also put some challenges to holding free and fair elections. According to multiple newspapers, the Maduro government has manipulated the state institutions including the judiciary and electoral system to maintain firm control in the country, leading to widespread protests and international condemnation. Among others, the government’s control over media outlets and restrictions on freedom of speech can further hinder the ability of opposition parties to campaign effectively and reach out to voters.
There are definitely some optimistic developments. The government has made several notable concessions in the crucial agreement and expressed its willingness to work toward resolving the political deadlock. Notably, the agreement includes a commitment from the government to hold next year’s presidential elections in the second half of 2024 and allow credible international electoral observation and a thorough update of the electoral registry. Additionally — and importantly — the United States has provisionally lifted some sanctions, which were imposed on the oil, gas and gold sectors of Venezuela in response to the manipulated presidential elections and the repression of the opposition, on which Maduro has been insisting for reaching a solution to the political deadlock. Among others, the Maduro government agreed to free multiple political prisoners in the coming days.
It is desired that the agreement, driven by international mediation and negotiation and signed in the presence of representatives of twelve countries and the European Union, leads to the resolution of the political deadlock and free and fair elections in Venezuela. The releasing of political prisoners and allowing opposition candidates to run for public office are crucial. It is also crucial for the parties involved to cooperate to hold a free and fair election. Their further talks may be helpful in addressing challenges to free and fair elections. But the further role of international actors including the enforcement vigilance of the deal is also crucial to help hold free and fair elections.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
