The Trump administration welcomed the talks as part of a "three-phase plan" that culminates with a "political transition." (National Assembly)Caracas, August 7, 2026 (venezuelanalysis.com) – The Venezuelan government and a faction of the opposition formally began a fresh US-backed dialogue initiative on Thursday that is expected to renew the country’s judicial and electoral bodies. According to the Venezuelan Constitution, the appointment of electoral and judicial authorities is the exclusive competency of the legislature. The Trump administration welcomed the talks, describing them as a “unique opportunity” for reconciliation and “transition” in Venezuela. The negotiations have caused tensions among different opposition factions, with far-right sectors criticizing the exclusion of María Corina Machado.