The politics of Venezuela take place within the framework of a federal presidential republic governed by the Constitution of Venezuela. Political power is divided among the executive, legislative, judicial, electoral, and citizen branches of government. Venezuela’s political system has undergone significant transformation since the late 20th century, particularly following the rise of Hugo Chávez and the Bolivarian Revolution.
Modern Venezuelan politics have been marked by polarization, disputed elections, economic crisis, international sanctions, and tensions between the government and opposition forces.
Political system
Venezuela is constitutionally defined as a democratic republic with a presidential system. The president serves as both head of state and head of government and is elected by popular vote.
The 1999 Constitution expanded the structure of government beyond the traditional three branches, establishing five branches:
- Executive branch
- Legislative branch
- Judicial branch
- Electoral branch
- Citizen branch
Executive branch
The executive branch is headed by the President of Venezuela, who is elected for a six-year term and may be re-elected. The president appoints the vice president, cabinet ministers, and senior officials.
Since 2013, the presidency has been held by Nicolás Maduro, successor to Hugo Chávez. The executive branch exercises broad authority over economic policy, security forces, and state-owned enterprises, particularly the oil industry.
Legislative branch
The legislative branch consists of the unicameral National Assembly of Venezuela. Members are elected by popular vote.
In 2015, opposition parties won a majority in the National Assembly. In response, the government-backed Supreme Tribunal of Justice limited the assembly’s authority. In 2017, the government established a pro-government which assumed legislative powers and sidelined the opposition-controlled legislature.
In later elections, pro-government forces regained control of the National Assembly amid opposition boycotts and international criticism.
Judicial branch
The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice. Critics argue that the judiciary lacks independence and functions largely in alignment with the executive branch.
Judicial rulings have played a central role in shaping Venezuela’s political crisis, including decisions limiting legislative authority and validating controversial elections.
Electoral system
Venezuela’s electoral system is overseen by the National Electoral Council (CNE), one of the five branches of government. Elections are conducted using electronic voting machines with paper audit trails.
While the government describes the system as transparent, opposition groups and international observers have questioned the fairness of several elections, citing irregularities, voter suppression, and lack of independent oversight.
Political parties
Major political forces in Venezuela include:
- United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) – the ruling party since 2007
- Democratic Unity Roundtable – a coalition of opposition parties
- Various smaller left-wing, centrist, and opposition parties
Political competition has declined in recent years as opposition parties have faced legal restrictions, arrests of leaders, and disqualification from elections.
Bolivarian Revolution
The Bolivarian Revolution refers to the political movement initiated by Hugo Chávez after his election in 1998. The movement emphasized socialism, anti-imperialism, state control of key industries, and regional integration with allied governments.
Under Chávez and later Maduro, the government nationalized major industries, expanded social programs, and centralized political power. Supporters credit the movement with reducing poverty in its early years, while critics argue it laid the groundwork for economic collapse and authoritarian governance.
Political crisis
Venezuela has experienced a prolonged political crisis since the mid-2010s. Key developments include:
- Mass protests against the government
- International recognition of opposition leadership
- Competing claims to political legitimacy
- Breakdown of negotiations between government and opposition
At various points, opposition figures declared parallel governments, while the ruling administration retained control over state institutions and security forces.
Human rights and governance
International human rights organizations have accused Venezuelan authorities of arbitrary detentions, censorship, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The government denies systematic abuses and claims it is defending national sovereignty against foreign-backed destabilization.
These allegations have been a major factor in diplomatic isolation and international sanctions.
Foreign influence and international relations
Venezuela’s political system has been heavily influenced by foreign relations. The government maintains close ties with countries such as Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba, while relations with the United States and many European countries have remained strained.
International involvement has included sanctions, diplomatic recognition disputes, mediation efforts, and humanitarian aid initiatives.
Recent developments
In January 2026, Venezuela’s political crisis escalated sharply following a United States military operation and the detention of President Nicolás Maduro. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured during the operation, a claim initially disputed by Venezuelan authorities.
On January 3, 2026, international media broadcast video footage confirming Maduro’s arrival in the United States under U.S. custody. The footage showed Maduro being escorted by federal agents at a U.S. Air Force base in New York. The confirmation significantly altered the political landscape in Venezuela, intensifying uncertainty regarding constitutional succession, governance, and international recognition.
As of early 2026, Venezuelan state institutions had not formally declared the presidency vacant, and the long-term political outcome remained unclear.