On words and votes in Venezuela: the talks between the conflict parties and the elections in November

Abstract

Regional and local elections are to be held in Venezuela on 21 November. After sev­eral years of election boycotts opposition forces are taking part in the elections again. In addition, since August this year they have participated in a dialogue with envoys of President Nicolás Maduro in Mexico. While many Venezuelans are struggling to merely survive, the two conflict parties are seeking to extend their room for manoeu­vre. The international community should support the dialogue and election process and dose pressure on and incentives for the Maduro regime giving priority to the needs of society. (author's abstract)