Venezuela for the Venezuelans

What It Takes for Free Elections

Authors

  • Ian Batista

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54827/issn2764-7897.cebri2026.17.02.07.115-127.en

Keywords:

Venezuela, electoral authoritarianism, democratic transition, electoral management body, election observation

Abstract

Following the US capture of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela is governed by an interim presidency under close US tutelage, with Washington framing elections as the final phase of a three-step transition. This article asks what credible elections require, drawing on recent experts’ takes on Venezuela's democratization alongside the Carter Center's mission to the 2024 election. It finds convergence on the need for an independent electoral council, an end to arbitrary disqualification, diaspora enfranchisement, and the restoration of civil freedoms.

Author Biography

Ian Batista

Ian Batista holds a PhD in Political Science from the Pernambuco Federal University (Brazil). He specializes in electoral processes in Latin America, providing consultancy to international organizations and serving on expert electoral missions in Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia.

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Published

2026-09-09

How to Cite

Batista, I. (2026). Venezuela for the Venezuelans: What It Takes for Free Elections. CEBRI-Revista: Brazilian Journal of International Affairs, (17). https://doi.org/10.54827/issn2764-7897.cebri2026.17.02.07.115-127.en