Venezuela will hold local elections on December 15, 2024, to elect 30,000 communal peace judges as part of a grassroots democracy initiative. Citizens aged 15 and older can vote across 4,000 circuits, including indigenous communities. The elected judges will mediate conflicts and promote local governance under a newly reformed legal framework.
On December 15, 2024, Venezuelans will participate in local elections to choose 30,000 communal peace judges, aiming to foster grassroots democracy. The election encompasses over 4,000 communal circuits, including 481 indigenous regions, allowing voters to select from a pool of 52,288 candidates. Every citizen aged 15 and older is eligible to cast their vote at one of the 4,817 polling centers organized by community members.
During a recent meeting in Caracas, President Nicolás Maduro emphasized the importance of these elections in promoting a model of direct democracy. He asserted, “What we are undertaking is a significant step toward the future—a genuine democracy that goes beyond superficial representation,” highlighting the intention to establish a grassroots system rooted in ethical values.
Further endorsement came from communal leaders and officials, such as Ángel Prado, Minister of Communes, and Pedro Infante of the Socialist Party. The peace judges will assume substantial roles in their communities, focusing on preventive efforts to enhance peaceful coexistence. Their duties will be delineated under the newly revised “Organic Law of Communal Peace Justice,” which allows them to mediate family and community disputes without necessitating formal legal intervention, except for high-value property matters.
Candidates have actively campaigned from December 4 to 13, with stringent criteria including age, residence, positive reputation, and knowledge of local customs. This initiative follows previous consultations where communities selected projects for governmental funding, reinforcing the local governance model promoted by the Venezuelan government.
Venezuela has initiated a new local electoral process aimed at enhancing grassroots democracy through the selection of communal peace judges. The role of these judges is pivotal in resolving local disputes and fostering community cohesion without relying on formal judiciary pathways. This initiative is part of President Maduro’s broader vision of redefining governance structure towards a more participatory democracy that empowers local communities.
The upcoming elections for local peace judges represent a significant development in Venezuela’s efforts to expand grassroots democracy. By enabling community members to elect judges who are attuned to their local dynamics, the initiative aims to cultivate a sense of ownership and accountability within the communal framework. As the country navigates through these elections, the emphasis on collaboration and participation may serve as a blueprint for future governance models.
Original Source: venezuelanalysis.com
