Juan Miguel Matheus: “The reform of Article 65 of theLOTSJ shows that negotiation produces real change”

CARACAS, VENEZUELA, August 27, 2026.– Juan Miguel Matheus, a member of the Delegated Committee of the 2015 National Assembly, speaking in the context of the negotiation process for a democratic transition, stated that the reform of Article 65 of the Organic Law of the Supreme Court of Justice (LOTSJ) is a concrete result that shows how institutional dialogue produces effective change for the country.

According to the constitutional lawyer, this legislative advance is highly positive because it translates into greater representation for civil society, more transparency in public processes, less political control over the Judiciary, and a clear opportunity for jurists of recognized standing to take part in rebuilding the justice system, in strict compliance with the requirements of the National Constitution.

“As a result of our efforts, Venezuelan civil society is taking on a central role in building the country’s democratic transition,” said the lawmaker, who stressed that “civil society will be at the heart of Venezuela’s transition.”

A citizen majority in the nominations process

The core of the legal reform lies in the restructuring of the Judicial Nominations Committee. Under the new text, civil society representatives will become the majority, holding 12 of the committee’s 23 seats, compared with 11 for members of parliament. The measure seeks to democratize and strengthen civil society participation in the selection of justices and to decentralize party control over institutional decisions.

The Negotiating Delegation representative noted that the amendment opens a technical and public path to renew the entire bench of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ). The reform establishes mechanisms for broad calls for applications and maximum publicity in selecting the civil society members, allowing citizen oversight of nominations, case files and the evaluation of credentials.

Rigorous evaluation of credentials

Matheus also emphasized that the new procedure will require a rigorous evaluation of each candidate, in accordance with the requirements of suitability, integrity, professional track record
and legal competence set out in Article 263 of the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

“This is a victory for the country and an achievement of the Negotiating Delegation. We have managed to turn a fundamental demand of the negotiation into a concrete reform of the Organic
Law of the Supreme Court of Justice. This is a first step toward rebuilding Venezuelan justice,” he said.

Finally, Deputy Matheus described the change as progress achieved at the negotiating table and urged highly respected legal professionals of sound ethical standing to apply in the process aimed at restoring the independence of the Venezuelan judicial system. “An independent judiciary begins with a transparent selection of those responsible for administering justice.”