Monitoring and accountability
We watch the negotiations and hold them to account.
Enter
Photo: Ronal Labrador / Unsplash · Source: International IDEA, Democracy Tracker
DEMOCRATIC TRANSITIONRULE OF LAWRESPECT FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT
Venezuela Decides
After almost three decades of authoritarian rule, Venezuela has a historic chance to rebuild itself as a democracy.
An independent, non-partisan civil society initiative
ABOUT US
Our mission
Since 3 January 2026, after almost three decades of authoritarian rule, Venezuela has a historic opportunity to achieve a democratic transition. Transitions are rarely easy. The actors responsible for it must prioritise what a successful transition requires. That means releasing every political prisoner, changing the leadership of the institutions that safeguard the rule of law, protecting the national assets held abroad so a future democratic government can rebuild the country, and setting a clear path to free and universal elections that reflect the will of the people.
Venezuela Decides works to secure these goals. We demand transparency and accountability from the actors leading the transition. We monitor the situation of political prisoners and provide free legal representation to those in Venezuela who have none. We protect Venezuela's assets abroad, so the resources to rebuild are there for a democratic government. And we consistently campaign for free elections.
Every vote must count.
WHAT WE DO
A democratic future.
Four areas of action.
We track the transition as it happens, and hold it to what was promised.
Human rights and legal advocacy
We defend political prisoners and the arbitrarily detained.
EnterStrategic initiatives
We train Venezuelans to negotiate for their resources.
EnterAsset protection
We keep Venezuela's reserves out of the wrong hands.
Explore the asset protection initiativeTRANSITION PROGRESS
Transition
progress
We track the transition as it happens, and hold it to what was promised.
POLITICAL PRISONERS
Released, and still held
In late 2025, Foro Penal counted around 875 political prisoners in Venezuela. Releases began in January 2026, and the cited reporting records the following figures.
New arrests have continued even as people were freed, so hundreds remain behind bars for political reasons. We follow the count and press for the release of every one.
Human rights and legal advocacyreleased since the announcement of 8 January 2026
still held as of 5 October 2026
Sources: Foro Penal, October 2025 · Foro Penal via El Diario, October 2026. The release figure is the running total since the January announcement.
INSTITUTIONAL TRANSITION
The road agreed by the parties
The agreed milestones and the targets ahead. November and December are announced targets, not confirmed appointments.
January 2026
A path to a democratic transition opens after almost three decades of authoritarian rule.
August 2026
The current administration and the 2015 National Assembly hold their first talks in Caracas. They agree to renew the judiciary and to reform the electoral authority before any vote.
September 2026
The National Assembly passes a reform of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice law, expanding the Judicial Nominations Committee and giving civil society most of its seats.
November 2026
Target to name new magistrates of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice.
December 2026
Target to name new authorities of the National Electoral Council.
Free and universal elections
The outcome the whole process must deliver, reflecting the will of the people.
Source: JURIST, September 2026 · Source: El Diario, 30 September 2026
Monitoring and accountabilityRESOURCE AGREEMENTS
Signed before Venezuelans have voted
We follow who secures the benefit of the country’s resources, and on what terms.
The current administration is committing the country's resources through agreements signed while its authority is disputed and before any free election has been held. Because these are the acts of a contested authority, a future democratic government could subject them to revision. Article 138 of the Constitution of Venezuela provides that usurped authority is ineffective and its acts are null ("Toda autoridad usurpada es ineficaz y sus actos son nulos").
Oil and gas deals
Explore newsGold
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Explore newsTourism
Explore newsFauna
Explore newsEach section opens a page of 2026 reporting and earlier context on who benefits from that resource. The legal interpretation above expresses the initiative’s position.
OUR PARTNERS
A COALITION FOR DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION
Stand for
the rule of law
Add your voice.
Venezuela Decides is bringing together organisations and individuals who want a lawful, democratic transition. Add your voice. Co-sign our declaration, work with us on policy and legal strategy, or help the message reach further.
Co-sign the joint declarationExpress interest in a shared public position.
Collaborate on policy or legal workContribute expertise in transition monitoring, human rights, law or governance.
Media and outreachHelp the evidence reach a wider audience.
