Daniel Zovatto and Juan Gabriel Tokatlian *

The recent elections in Venezuela have revealed serious concerns about the transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process. This has triggered a political crisis that is in full swing, with the risk of accelerated escalation. In this context, a coordinated and agreed regional proposal aimed at ensuring the transparency of the electoral process and the legitimacy of its results is essential, in order to restore confidence in the Venezuelan electoral system and ensure social peace. And, in turn, to contribute to the creation of conditions for a viable and sustainable political agreement. We are in a very delicate situation that could lead to unpredictable consequences. There is no predetermined and ominous destiny: political decisions are made by social actors.

We present here a series of actions, based on legality, prudence and balance, that we believe are necessary to achieve the main objective at this time: urgent détente.

1. Transparency from the start

An important first step to ensure transparency is to collect and publish all protocols, broken down by polling centre and table. This process will allow all stakeholders to have access to the information needed to conduct a thorough and informed analysis of the electoral process.

2. Comprehensive review and verification

It is essential that a thorough process of review, comparison and verification of each protocol be carried out. This process must be exhaustive and transparent so that any irregularities are identified and addressed accordingly. Without such a thorough review, any attempt to legitimize the results will be viewed with suspicion.

3. International technical mission

In order to ensure the impartiality and objectivity of the verification process, it is necessary that the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela be accompanied by an international technical electoral mission. This mission should include experts from the UN and the Carter Center, as well as six electoral technicians specializing in computerized election audits from countries such as Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, among others. The presence of these experts will guarantee a technical and thorough analysis of the electoral process.

4. Authority and legitimacy

The credibility and legitimacy of the elections, as well as their recognition at the national and international level, will depend to a large extent on the results obtained from this verification and audit process. It is essential that all parties involved are aware of this process.
impartial and objective, otherwise any results will be called into question.

5. Regional negotiating table

To facilitate dialogue between the government and the opposition, a regional negotiating and mediating table should be created. This table should consist of a group of countries in the region that reflect political and ideological diversity, ensuring the inclusion
different points of view and promoting effective and constructive dialogue.

6. Access to judicial review mechanisms

It is vital that the opposition has full and unconditional access to the legal mechanisms available. In times of high tension, it is essential to act with restraint and to evaluate all possible legal alternatives to ensure a fair process.

7. Rejection of violence

It is of utmost importance to maintain peace and avoid any form of violence. We must remember the importance of relative calm both before and on election day. Violence only serves to delegitimize the process and increases
mistrust.

8. Avoid external geopolitical influence

It is necessary to prevent external geopolitical dynamics from negatively influencing the electoral process in Venezuela. The region cannot afford another episode of international confrontation, as has already been seen in other parts of the world. We must not bring conflicts to the region over which we have no control or influence, only to risk witnessing the damage that may be incurred.

9. Possibility of discharge

The maximum internal and external pressure over the last decade has not worked. It is time to try to achieve maximum detente and create a more favorable environment for negotiations and agreements. Only in this way can we move forward to a peaceful and consensual solution.

10. Domestic political negotiations

Finally, it is essential that alternatives to the crisis in Venezuela emerge from genuine and productive dialogue among Venezuelans themselves. Domestic political negotiations must be the focus of the main players, because only in this way will lasting reconciliation be achieved and national unity strengthened; two essential imperatives in this situation.

This proposal is not only intended to offer a path to reconciliation and stability in Venezuela, but also to serve as a call to the region to act responsibly and in solidarity. It is time for Latin American countries, beyond their stated initial positions, to multiply their efforts in favor of a joint initiative that contributes to a more democratic and peaceful future for Venezuela.

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* Daniel Zovatto. Global Comrade. Wilson Center.

* John Gabriel Tokatlian.Plenary Professor at the University of Torcuato Di Tella, Argentina.