Legislative constraints on the executive18. February
Clean elections22. January
Costa Rica holds elections with Laura Fernández as the favourite
With 10 days to go until presidential elections conservative candidate Laura Fernández is leading the polls in Costa Rica. She is the continuity candidate to exiting President Rodrigo Chaves in the "Switzerland of Central America" which nonetheless is seeing rising insecurity.
Freedom of expression and alternative sources of information16. January
Venezuela opposition leader Machado gives Trump her Nobel medal
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has "presented" her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump at the White House, saying it was a recognition of his commitment to her country's freedom.
Freedom of expression and alternative sources of information14. January
Venezuelans regain access to social network X after yearlong block
The Venezuelan authorities have lifted a block on X, and acting president Rodriguez has updated her profile. The US administration reports that many of its citizens have been freed. But the Venezuelan government's figure of 400 releases overall has been disputed.
Equality before the law09. January
Venezuela releasing 'large number' of prisoners
In Venezuela, prison doors are opening for numerous political prisoners. For US President Donald Trump, this is a sign that the interim government in Caracas is ‘seeking peace’. Among those released are numerous well-known representatives of the Venezuelan opposition.
Judicial constraints on the executive08. January
Brazil's President Lula vetoes law reducing Bolsonaro's sentence
In Brazil, the debate continues over how long former President Jair Bolsonaro should remain in prison after his conviction. The country's Congress wants to significantly reduce his 27-year sentence. President Lula da Silva is now opposing this decision with a veto.
Clean elections07. January
Venezuela's prosecutor general accuses US of terrorism
Venezuela has accused the US of terrorism, and the UN has expressed concern. President Trump says the time is not ripe for elections, while the EU, in a veiled call for a poll, says democracy must be restored.
Legislative constraints on the executive06. January
Venezuelan parliament swears in interim president
After a discombobulating weekend, Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president of Venezuela by parliament. She did so "in name of all Venezuelans" while indicidating to cooperate with Washington, were US President Trump issues an ominous warning to Rodriguez.
Equality before the law05. January
Uncertainty as Venezuelan President Maduro ousted by the USA
The capture by US forces of Venezuelan President Maduro stunned the world, leaving much uncertainty, a Vice President as acting president, a call for elections to respect democracy and an indictment on narco-terrorism charges.