Lula and Petro call for electoral transparency and dialogue to stabilize Venezuela.

Lula da Silva and Gustavo Petro, the presidents of Brazil and Colombia, have reiterated their call for transparency in the recent electoral process in Venezuela, following the decision of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) to validate Nicolás Maduro's victory in the elections held on July 28. In a joint statement issued after their respective phone conversations, both leaders emphasized that the credibility of the electoral process in the neighboring country cannot be restored without the publication of detailed election results, a step they consider fundamental for democratic legitimacy. The presidents of Brazil and Colombia agree that the "political normalization of Venezuela" is intrinsically linked to peaceful dialogue and democratic coexistence in a context of diversity. This approach serves as an invitation to all parties involved to reject violence and repression, emphasizing the urgent need to build a conducive environment for negotiation and reconciliation. In this sense, Lula and Petro have shown a clear intention to act as mediators in the Venezuelan political crisis. The leaders' statement reflects the growing international discontent regarding the Venezuelan elections, which have been severely criticized not only by Brazil and Colombia but also by a group of eleven American countries that openly questioned the TSJ's ruling. These countries expressed concern about the lack of independence and impartiality of the judiciary in Venezuela. However, Lula and Petro have chosen to maintain a more conciliatory stance, avoiding direct judgment of the TSJ's decision and advocating for ongoing dialogue among the parties. Amid these tensions, Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE) has faced criticism for failing to publish the detailed results of the electoral contest. This lack of transparency has fueled controversy over the legitimacy of Maduro's victory, while the opposition coalition, the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), insists that its candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, achieved a clear victory. The PUD has expressed gratitude to Lula and Petro for their support of popular sovereignty and their insistence on publishing the election results. Both presidents also recalled the commitments made in the Barbados Agreements, instruments aimed at establishing a common framework of understanding between the Venezuelan government and the opposition. This call for transparency becomes a focal point for rebuilding trust in the electoral process and politics in general in the country, where polarization has led to a stalemate and crisis. In a broader context, Lula and Petro have expressed their opposition to unilateral sanctions, which they believe are detrimental to the populations of the affected countries and contrary to international law. This stance highlights a conscious decision by the Latin American leaders to adopt a more diplomatic approach, seeking to avoid a more confrontational stance that could only exacerbate the situation in Venezuela. The need for dialogue and understanding between the Venezuelan government and the opposition appears to be the only viable path toward a peaceful resolution. From Lula and Petro's perspective, the situation in Venezuela not only affects its population but also impacts regional stability. Thus, they reaffirmed their willingness to act as facilitators in the process, potentially offering a new respite from current political tensions. It is important to note that the climate in Venezuela remains volatile, with protests scheduled for the coming days. María Corina Machado, one of the opposition figures, has called on citizens to take to the streets on August 28, continuing the protests against Maduro's government. This context of social mobilization adds another layer of complexity to the political situation, which both Lula and Petro are closely monitoring. Finally, the demand for greater transparency in the electoral process becomes not only an imperative for the legitimacy of the Venezuelan government but also a symbol of the growing international pressure on a regime that has faced increasing criticism for its handling of democracy. The reaction of the international community, led by leaders like Lula and Petro, could indicate that winds of change are beginning to blow in the region, although the path toward stability and peace in Venezuela remains uncertain.