Colombia chooses dialogue with Venezuela amid political tensions and disputed elections.

The political situation in Venezuela has generated a new chapter of tensions and controversies, especially following the recent elections in which President Nicolás Maduro declared himself the winner. In this context, the Colombian government has taken a cautious stance by refraining from supporting a resolution from the Organization of American States (OAS) that called for the immediate publication of the election results and independent verification of those results. The Colombian Foreign Ministry argues that its decision stems from a desire to maintain dialogue with Maduro's regime, as well as the perception that any OAS statement in this context is merely "a gesture." The OAS is attempting to address the Venezuelan crisis in its sessions, but for Colombia, the lack of Venezuelan representation in the organization— which formally withdrew in 2019 after requesting to do so in 2017—renders these discussions ineffective. Criticism of the OAS for its past lack of neutrality has also led to questions about its role in mediating conflicts in the region. Thus, the Colombian government believes that the appropriate forum for addressing these issues is not the OAS, highlighting a diplomatic strategy more focused on bilateral and regional dialogue. The resolution text presented at the OAS, which ultimately did not receive the necessary support, demanded the publication of the election results and independent oversight. However, the Venezuelan opposition and sectors of the international community have rejected the results that declared Maduro the winner, creating an atmosphere of distrust and political tension in the Caribbean nation. This scenario has led to protests from the population and internal disputes regarding the legitimacy of the electoral process. In this tumultuous environment, President Gustavo Petro has repeatedly expressed his interest in reintegrating Venezuela into the OAS and reviewing its founding charter. This position aims to open a space for negotiation and understanding, despite the political differences that exist between the leaders of both countries. However, Petro's proposal has also generated criticism and questions about the effectiveness of the OAS as a mediator in the Venezuelan crisis. The situation is further complicated by Maduro's statements that he shared "many things" with Petro regarding the elections. This bilateral communication could be a strategy to find common ground, although the atmosphere of distrust persists. The opposition, represented by the Democratic Unity Platform (PUD), maintains that its candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, won the elections, which calls into question the legitimacy of Maduro's mandate. Colombia has been clear in its support for a fair electoral process in Venezuela. In this regard, Petro's government has urged all political and social sectors in the neighboring country to reach an agreement that guarantees respect for the electoral results. However, this call for peace and coexistence does not eliminate the existing polarization or the tensions that have arisen following the announcement of the results. Additionally, the Colombian president has warned about the risks of deep violent polarization in Venezuela and the possible consequences of a permanent division in the nation. This warning resonates in a context where social and political tensions could escalate into a serious internal conflict. Thus, the responsibility of political leaders in Venezuela is crucial to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. Colombia, for its part, is working in coordination with Brazil and Mexico to create favorable conditions for dialogue and political peace in the region. This diplomatic effort seeks to chart a path toward stability, although the lack of consensus and distrust among political actors remain significant obstacles. Amid these tense dynamics, Colombia remains committed to its policy of respect for non-interference and confidentiality in its diplomatic relations. While Petro's government seeks to promote dialogue with all Venezuelan political actors, the current context presents numerous challenges that complicate the search for a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis in Venezuela.