Clean elections28. January
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.
Equality before the law02. January
Venezuela releases more than 80 political prisoners
New Year's Day saw the release of 87 political prisoners in Venezuela, the second wave of releases in a week. Many of them have been arrested during protests against Maduro's re-election in 2024, a vote that was widely condemned internationally as neither free nor fair.
Judicial contraints on the executive22. December
Brazil court rejects new Bolsonaro appeal against coup conviction
Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro has filed two motions with his country's judiciary from jail. His attempt to have his prison sentence converted to house arrest was unsuccessful. However, Bolsonaro has been granted permission to go to hospital for an operation.
Judicial constraints on the Executive19. December
Brazil's Lula says 'will veto' bill slashing Bolsonaro sentence
How long will Brazil's former president Bolsonaro have to serve in prison? He has been sentenced to 27 years, but will have to serve at least 8 and if the country's Congress has its way, perhaps less. The law passed by Congress on this matter is now causing political turmoil.
Clean elections17. December
OAS rejects doubts on Honduras election as protest continues
Almost three weeks after election day the result for the presidential election is yet to be called. While the OAS says there is no reason to suspect fraud candidates continue to demand a recount while citizens protest the delay.
Clean elections15. December
Far-right candidate Kast wins Chile's presidential election
Conservative José Antonio Kast has won Chile's presidential election on a pledge of cracking down on crime, halting immigration and deporting migrants without status. Other right-wing policies include lower taxes, small government and opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion.
Equality before the law and individual liberties12. December
International rights experts accuse Venezuela's National Guard
Independent experts commissioned by the UN have accused Venezuela's National Guard of serious maltreatment of government opponents. The pointed to a highly centralized command chain as cause for concern.
Clean elections11. December
Nobel winner Machado says will return to end Venezuela 'tyranny'
Seen by many as the legitimate president of Venezuela, Maria Corina Machado pledged to end the "tyranny" of President Nicolas Maduro. Speaking in Oslo after missing the Nobel award ceremony, Machado pledged to return to Venezuela where she has been in hiding since January.