The government of Panama issued a formal demand this Saturday for a democratic transition in Venezuela. The statement followed the confirmed capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by United States authorities. Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs insisted that power must be transferred according to the popular will expressed in the July 2024 presidential election.
Official results from that vote showed opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the clear winner. The Panamanian government explicitly endorsed those results in its weekend communique. It also revealed it holds physical custody of the electoral records that substantiate González Urrutia’s victory.
Official Statement and Custody of Electoral Records
In a strongly worded release, Panama urged what it called the de facto authorities still surviving in Venezuela to correct their conduct. The government said these figures must act according to principles of legality and legitimacy. The refusal of Maduro’s regime to recognize the electoral outcome, the statement argued, paved the way for increased authoritarianism and repression.
“Unfortunately, we have witnessed how the situation has evolved unfavorably under the leadership of Nicolás Maduro,” the official communication stated. [Translated from Spanish] It warned that disregarding González Urrutia’s electoral triumph closed any possibility for a democratic transition.
A central element of Panama’s position involves its role as guardian of key documents. The Foreign Ministry reiterated that the electoral records, delivered by Venezuelan opposition figures, remain properly safeguarded by Panamanian authorities. These acts are presented as a guarantee of the sovereign will expressed at the ballot box. They form the legitimate basis for any political transition, the government asserts.
This development follows earlier Panamanian diplomatic efforts regarding Venezuela. The government had previously offered its territory as a neutral space to facilitate an orderly exit for the Maduro administration. That initiative did not succeed.
Broader Condemnation and Regional Role
The Panamanian assessment extended beyond the immediate crisis. The Foreign Ministry described the management system prevailing in Venezuela for over two decades as socially, economically, and institutionally inefficient. It claimed this system caused suffering for the majority of the population while a small group benefited.
The communique called for an end to the oppression marking the last two decades. It emphasized the Venezuelan people’s right to live, grow, and prosper in a country destined for freedom. Panama’s stance aligns with its recent actions, including political support for the Pueblo Venezolano and its democratic aspirations.
President José Raúl Mulino had echoed this position earlier on social media. He stated his government reaffirmed its position in favor of democratic exercise and accepting the legitimate desires of the Venezuelan people. Mulino expressed Panama’s solidarity with peace and a legitimate, orderly transition process.
Panama’s diplomatic activity on this issue has been consistent throughout 2025. President Mulino voiced support for a democratic transition in Venezuela at multiple international forums. This included addresses before the United Nations General Assembly. The country’s current seat on the UN Security Council adds weight to its statements.
The government pledged to continue advocating for strengthened democratic principles and pacification in the region. Its goal is to ensure a free and prosperous future for Venezuela. This foreign policy focus is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama.
Panama’s offer of asylum to officials aiding a transition, reported earlier, underscores its proactive approach. The nation has positioned itself as a key regional actor in the Venezuela crisis. Its custody of the electoral acts provides a tangible link to the disputed 2024 vote.
Regional observers now watch for how Panama’s firm stance will influence other nations. The call for an immediate transition based on the safeguarded electoral records sets a clear benchmark. The coming days will test the resolve of remaining Venezuelan power structures and the international community’s response.