Panama Supports Venezuela’s Transition and Recognizes the Opposition’s Victory

Panama expressed a firm position on Monday in defense of democratic institutions, the sovereignty of states and respect for international law, during its intervention before the United Nations Security Council, where it called for an orderly and peaceful transition in Venezuela, based on the electoral results of 2024, after the recent capture of the illegitimate ruler of that country. The message from the Panamanian government, led by President José Raúl Mulino, was conveyed to the international community by Panama’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Eloy Alfaro de Alba. 

Referring to the armed intervention that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Alfaro pointed out that the systematic erosion of democracy, the institutional vacuum, and the increase in authoritarian and repressive practices in Venezuela led to this outcome.  “Panama reiterates that it does not recognize and will not recognize the authoritarian and illegitimate regime that has held Venezuelans hostage, mired in one of the most serious political, social, humanitarian and security crises in the region,” Alfaro stated. 

During its intervention, Panama demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners in Venezuela, including Panamanian citizen Olmedo Núñez, who remains arbitrarily detained, without formal charges, without due process and without full access to consular guarantees.  Alfaro also explained that Panama has been directly impacted by the Venezuelan humanitarian crisis, reflected in the forced migration of more than 9 million people, a phenomenon that has generated regional effects, both in irregular migration flows from south to north and in reverse migration. 

“Power emanates from the people. The true sovereign has already spoken at the ballot box ,” Alfaro stated, recalling that on July 28, 2024, opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia pictured below left, obtained 70% of the votes, while María Corina Machado pictured below right, barred from running by the regime, won the opposition primary with 93% in October 2023.  According to Panama, the popularity of both leaders has grown even in police and military sectors, and the elected government has plans and teams ready to guarantee an orderly transition, with respect for the rule of law and human rights. 

Alfaro reiterated that Panama is safeguarding the electoral records that prove the opposition’s victory, as evidence of the sovereign right of the Venezuelan people to decide their political destiny.  “Recognizing any authority other than the president-elect would be tantamount to legitimizing electoral fraud and normalizing authoritarianism,” he warned.  Panama made it clear that there can be no talk of a genuine transition with the same structures of Maduro’s regime, nor with figures linked to the repressive apparatus.  The intervention concluded by reaffirming that Panama, as a member of the Security Council, will continue to promote legitimate, sustainable solutions anchored in the popular will, in strict respect for international law. 

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