Report Examines Colombian Government Role in Validating Venezuelan Election Results

A report released by the Miranda Center for Democracy has examined whether the administration of former Colombian President Gustavo Petro facilitated the political legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro following the 2024 Venezuelan elections. The report, titled "Laundering Maduro’s Legitimacy," analyzes the Colombian government's response to the electoral process in Venezuela during the period between the restoration of bilateral relations in 2022 and the capture of Nicolás Maduro by the United States on January 3, 2026.

Electoral Disputes and International Responses

The 2024 Venezuelan presidential election was marked by significant controversy regarding the official results. The Venezuelan National Electoral Council announced that Nicolás Maduro won the July 28, 2024, election with 51.2% of the votes, though the council did not publish detailed precinct-level records. Conversely, the opposition, led by Edmundo González Urrutia, released records suggesting that González Urrutia held a significant lead, with the opposition attributing 67% of the votes to him and only 30% to the regime's candidate.

The Organization of American States (OAS) attempted to address the lack of transparency through a formal resolution. On July 31, 2024, the Permanent Council of the OAS voted on a resolution to demand the publication of detailed Venezuelan election results. The resolution received 17 votes in favor but fell one vote short of the 18 votes required for approval. During this vote, Colombia and Brazil abstained, while Mexico was absent from the proceedings.

Drivers of Colombian Policy

The Miranda Center for Democracy identified three primary factors that influenced the stance of the Colombian government: ideological affinity with Chavismo, energy interests, and the "Total Peace" policy. The report suggests that these factors shaped how the administration interacted with the Venezuelan government during the disputed election period.

Energy interests were a significant component of the bilateral relationship. The Colombian government halted new hydrocarbon exploration contracts and pursued gas imports and production through alliances between Ecopetrol and PDVSA. Additionally, security concerns played a role in regional stability. In 2024, the ELN operated in at least 8 of the 24 Venezuelan states, with approximately 1,276 combatants active in the country. Venezuela has historically served as a guarantor for negotiations with the ELN and as a strategic rear guard for Colombian armed groups.

Regarding the domestic security situation, the Office of the Attorney General attributed the June 2025 assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay to the Segunda Marquetalia group. The senator died in August 2025, according to reports from El Espectador.

Government Defense

The findings of the Miranda Center for Democracy have been met with disagreement. The report characterizes the actions of the Colombian government as institutional whitewashing of the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro. However, former President Gustavo Petro has maintained that his government did not interfere in the process and did not recognize the Venezuelan election results. Speaking via X, Gustavo Petro stated that the government did not recognize the Venezuelan election results due to the conditions of the vote.

Glossary

• Total Peace — Total Peace is a peace policy designed and implemented by the Colombian government of Gustavo Petro. This law modifies the Public Law order and allows the government to negotiate with armed and criminal groups using different strategies and legal tools.
• Ecopetrol — Ecopetrol is the largest and primary petroleum company in Colombia. It is a state-owned industrial and commercial company that undertakes activities throughout the oil chain.
• PDVSA — Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) is a company involved in drilling projects. It has entered into contracts for projects in the Orinoco Belt.
• ELN — The ELN is an armed group that operates in various regions. It has been involved in peace processes and has been noted for its presence in Venezuelan states.