Maduro says he "negotiates" the participation of opponents in parliamentary elections

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(CNN Spanish) - The besieged president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, said Wednesday that his government “negotiates” together with the opposition the formation of a new National Electoral Council as well as the participation of “all political parties” in the next elections Legislative 2020.

"I have received messages from all sectors of the opposition of their willingness to participate and register candidates in the elections of the National Parliament next year," said the national leader in question.

The Venezuelan head of state, whose legitimacy is questioned after being re-elected in May 2018, said the talks are part of the dialogue table that began in September with minority opposition parties.

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Among the agreements was the renewal of the rectors of the National Electoral Council (CNE), a process that according to the Constitution of Venezuela must be carried out from the National Assembly.

"It is negotiating with the opposition sectors how the conformation (of the CNE) will be," Maduro said.

“The parliamentary section of the Chavista exchange bloc has a document that it has prepared and will present before that AN next Tuesday (November 5) with the proposals we make in this negotiation with this sector. There are conversations in private, ”he said.

Last Tuesday the National Assembly, led by Juan Guaidó, whom almost 60 countries recognized as interim president, declared himself in “permanent session” to allow the participation of the deputies of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) in the process of selection of the new electoral authorities of the country.

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"As I know that you (PSUV deputies) do not decide, that you have to consult with your boss, I declare in permanent session to the National Assembly to agree and seek a solution," said Guaidó.

Guaidó insisted that the solution of the political conflict requires a new presidential election.

“We are ready for a solution. We are ready to end financial and economic isolation. We are ready to move forward, ”he added.

The parliament instructed on Wednesday to begin the procedures for the formation of the Committee of Electoral Nominations, the body that should, according to the law, decide who is part of the Venezuelan electoral authority.

Crisis in Venezuela