US-backed political transition talks between Venezuela's interim government and opposition representatives began Thursday in Caracas, an AFP photographer in attendance observed. The talks are taking place seven months after US forces seized president Nicolas Maduro and as interim leader Delcy Rodriguez governs under Washington's watchful eye. Venezuelans are hopeful the dialogue will eventually pave the way for holding elections in the crisis-hit South American country. Notably absent from the talks is opposition favorite and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, who lives in exile and was not invited to join the discussion. The opposition is instead being represented by Dinorah Figuera, who returned to Venezuela from exile on Wednesday. Figuera heads the opposition bloc that won a majority in the 2015 National Assembly, the last legislature elected in a vote widely recognised by the international community. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, who is the interim leader's brother, is meanwhile representing the government. "We are focused on the official opening this week of this dialogue process, which seeks the restoration of democratic institutions," Figuera told TV station Televen upon her arrival at the airport. She has notably called for changes to the Supreme Court of Justice and the National Electoral Council, two institutions widely criticised for validating Maduro's disputed 2024 reelection. The opposition rejected the result, claiming victory and alleging widespread electoral fraud.