Panama City, Panama – Venezuelan democratic forces signed the “Panama Manifesto: For the Great National Agreement and the Transition toward Democracy in Venezuela” on Thursday. The document formalizes a political roadmap for the country’s future. Representatives from the Democratic Unitary Platform and other opposition movements gathered in Panama City to sign the agreement. The manifesto officially designates María Corina Machado as the leader of negotiations with the regime. Signatories recognized the Venezuelan presidential election July 28 2024 as a citizen mandate. They argue this mandate must translate into a real democratic transition. The document also endorses the Three-Phase Plan proposed by the United States government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this strategic framework for Venezuela’s democratic recovery.
📑 Table of Contents
What the Manifesto Proposes
The text articulates the process through two simultaneous tracks. Track A focuses on negotiation for democracy restoration. Political negotiation with the interim regime will be led by María Corina Machado. She will coordinate with the Democratic Unitary Platform and consult Venezuelan civil society organizations. She will appoint the head of the negotiating team. This team will include technical experts and political representatives.
“The negotiation aims to achieve a free, transparent and sovereign presidential election with all constitutional guarantees and proper international observation,” the manifesto states. [Translated from Spanish]
The document demands specific conditions for a favorable political environment. These include full release of political prisoners, both civilian and military. Safe return of exiles must be guaranteed. Normalization of civic space requires dismantling the repressive apparatus and illegal armed groups. A new National Electoral Council must be appointed with independent personalities. A viable and verifiable electoral calendar must be published. Track B calls for building a Great National Agreement for the Republic’s Recovery. This initiative seeks to incorporate citizens, political parties, democratic movements, unions, churches and universities. Productive sectors, social organizations, youth, women and Venezuelans both inside and outside the country are invited to participate.
Commitments and Next Steps
The manifesto establishes fundamental commitments for all signatories. They must maintain a unified and coordinated message toward the international community. Grassroots participation in building the agreement must be promoted. Permanent mechanisms for citizen consultation will be established.
“We maintain a single and coordinated message toward the international community while promoting grassroots participation in building this great national agreement,” opposition representatives said in the document. [Translated from Spanish]
The signing took place during a gathering of Venezuelan democratic forces in Panama City. This represents a significant step in coordinating opposition strategy. The agreement formalizes a structured approach to negotiations with the current administration. International observers will likely monitor the implementation of these commitments closely. The opposition faces significant challenges in executing this roadmap. The regime has shown limited willingness to engage in genuine negotiations. Previous dialogue attempts have stalled repeatedly. The international community continues to pressure both sides for a negotiated solution. Corina Machado now carries the weight of leading these complex negotiations. Her team must balance domestic pressure with international expectations. The Panama Manifesto represents the most detailed opposition roadmap since the 2024 election. It provides a clear framework for what democratic forces seek. Implementation remains uncertain given the political landscape in Venezuela. The coming weeks will test whether this coordinated strategy can produce tangible results.
