Venezuelan physician, deputy and exiled president of the IV National Assembly
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has announced there will be no more elections and his congress has begun drafting constitutional changes to extend the presidential term and block opposition candidates. The proposal would make terms seven years and bar those labeled "traitors" or "coup plotters" from office; the UN and the US have condemned the moves.
A framework for talks between Venezuela’s government and opposition has been agreed, focusing on reforming the judiciary, transparency in the use of frozen assets, and a potential path to elections. High-level discussions include bringing in reforms to the Supreme Tribunal of Justice and the National Electoral Council, while addressing post-earthquake relief and disaster recovery.
Venezuela has released more than 130 political prisoners under the Programme for Peace and Democratic Coexistence, with dozens of detainees reunited with families outside El Rodeo I. The move follows US-brokered talks and a pledge to reform the judiciary, while protesters urge full freedom for all political prisoners.