Venezuela is set to hold local elections on December 15, 2024, to select 30,000 communal peace judges. This initiative aims to bolster grassroots democracy and local governance, allowing citizens aged 15 and above to vote for candidates while enhancing community conflict resolution through a new legal framework.
On December 15, 2024, Venezuelans will participate in local elections aimed at selecting 30,000 “communal peace judges.” This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to foster grassroots democracy. Voting will occur in over 4,000 communal circuits across the country, including 481 indigenous communities. Eligible voters, aged 15 and older, will be able to select peace judges from a pool of over 52,000 candidates, thereby reinforcing local governance and participatory democracy.
President Nicolás Maduro has encouraged widespread participation, stating, “What we are undertaking is a significant step toward the future—a genuine democracy that goes beyond superficial representation.” This election is seen as a crucial move toward establishing direct democracy within Venezuela’s communal framework.
The elected peace judges will play vital roles in their communities, focusing on conflict resolution without the need for formal judicial processes. They will manage various local matters such as tenancy disputes and child support, under the purview of the recently reformed “Organic Law of Communal Peace Justice.” Candidates for these positions have engaged in extensive campaigning to familiarize themselves with community needs, a key requirement for their selection.
The election of communal peace judges in Venezuela represents a shift towards enhanced local governance and the promotion of direct democracy. This system, segmented into communal circuits and assemblies, aims to empower local citizens to resolve disputes and govern their communities more autonomously. The decision to elect peace judges through a popular vote comes in light of previous consultations where communities directly influenced local projects, bolstering the regime’s commitment to participatory methodologies in administration and conflict resolution.
The forthcoming election of peace judges in Venezuela signifies an important step towards establishing grassroots democracy and enhancing community governance. With the support of the government and the active participation of local voters, this initiative could transform how disputes are managed at the local level, driving societal change through empowered community leadership.
Original Source: venezuelanalysis.com
