Preliminary commission installs to appoint Tribunal Supremo magistrates

The newly designated Preliminary Commission of the Judicial Nominations Committee, with a majority of chavismo, formally installed its operations at the Legislative Palace on September 30, 2026, with the objective of appointing 32 magistrates to the Tribunal Supremo de Justicia (TSJ). The move follows a political agreement reached on September 25, 2026, at the Hotel Meliá Caracas, where negotiating delegations set a goal to overhaul the entire head of the judicial branch.

Legislative Approval Sets The Baseline For Judicial Overhaul

The National Assembly approved the Preliminary Commission by unanimous vote during an ordinary session, as reported by mippci.gob.ve through legislative statements from parliament president Jorge Rodríguez. Rodríguez explained that following reforms to the Organic Law of the Tribunal Supremo de Justicia and ongoing dialogue efforts, the institution decided to “carry the odometer back to zero.” The commission consists of 11 members from the legislature alongside 12 representatives drawn from civil society. Opposition lawmakers like Luis Florido described the overhaul as an essential step to rebuild the judicial system from top to bottom, urging citizens to place trust in the institutional process.

Civil Society Applications Open In October

Citizens seeking to join the nominations committee have until October 9, 2026, to submit their required credentials and documentation. Once the collection window closes, the evaluation phase begins immediately to verify credentials and screen applicants. The commission will then deliver a final list of eligible candidates to the full parliamentary plenary on October 15, 2026, for formal swearing-in.

Dialogue Mechanisms Introduce Credential Review Council

Deputy Jorge Arreaza stated that the process targets all 32 magistrates rather than a partial list to build broader academic and moral consensus. Alessandrello also confirmed that the 561 individuals who applied during previous selection rounds must submit new applications and fulfill requirements again.

Target Dates And Unresolved Timelines For November And Beyond

Parliamentary leaders have targeted November 2026 for the final designation of the new magistrates, according to statements given to Venevisión by Dinorah Figuera, president of the 2015 National Assembly Delegated Commission, and highlighted by primicia.com.ve. Figuera expressed confidence that this milestone will meet its expected delivery window to restore public trust in the judiciary.