Electoral troubles in Venezuela: Political Parties withdraw candidates en masse

vcrisis.com ^ | 29.11.05 | aleksander boyd

[alekboyd]

29.11.05 | All the major political parties have announced withdrawal from the electoral race of next Sunday, in which Venezuelans would choose Assemblymen. Accion Democratica, COPEI, Fuerza Liberal, Polo Democratico, Venezuela de Primera, Movimiento Republicano, Vision Emergente, CausaR and Proyecto Venezuela have made clear that under the present conditions they will not participate in electoral processes. It appears that only Primero Justicia, MAS and Rosales' Nuevo Tiempo are still willing to take part, although Descifrado has reported that Primero Justicia is having second thoughts about participating.

Sources in Caracas are sending shocking reports. Primero Justicia could have reached a pact with the Chavez regime: electoral participation in exchange to exempt party leaders from future prosecution -on treason charges that the regime could present against some of them, in particular against Gerardo Blyde.

OAS representatives trying to force on the political parties some sort of agreement whereby these would not demand electoral authorities, read Jorge Rodriguez, full compliance with current legislation. In their skewed view Sunday's election must take place no matter what. This has angered people so much that a rally to protest their odd behaviour and to demand cease and leave has been organized for tomorrow.

Then USAID representatives are meant to be encouraging some political parties to participate whilst promoting abstention to discourage others.

European observers are dumbfounded not knowing what to do. However the generalised impression is that, in spite of the many irregularities that they have witnessed, they will not take a principled stance on any issue.

Some polls are pointing to an up to 90% abstention level. Accion Democratica, is purportedly the first party to take into account what the base is saying.

Students are reportedly rioting in Merida, Valencia and Barquisimeto. A blogger living near Palo Negro -military air base- reported F-16s taking off.

To conclude with news from officialdom, the CNE cancelled its board meeting of the day and Interior Minister Jessy Chacon has threatened parties saying that regardless of political colours, those seeking to torpedo the elections shall face consequences.

[GermanBusiness]

I am assuming that the right wing will be boycotting the elections. And then?

What will that prove? We've got the Sunnis in Iraq over a barrel by just daring them not to participate on December 15th in elections.

The right wing in Venezuela doesn't participate, we get an overwhelmingly left wing Venezuela. Am I right? So what are we talking about here?

Election boycott followed by Chavez getting shot by the police or army, in the manner of Allende? Didn't Allende kill himself as the police approached?

That is Latin America. But this article doesn't talk about this kind of background info or this kind of speculation.

Enquiring minds want to know.

[livius]

You get an overwhelming left wing vote in VZ regardless of who turns out to vote, and this is what is scaring people. Jimmeh has been out there licking Hugo's toes and approving any insane vote tally that comes down the pike, and folks in VZ feel abandoned by the US.

If you're really curious, do a search and read some articles from last year. That will fill you in quickly. Also, you could Freepmail alekboyd for a list of articles.

Frankly, I'm really impressed by the courage of opposition parties, because Chavez is closing the political process and unless we intervene, there really won't be any "opposition" much longer.

[Ostlandr]

Time for regime change in Venezuela.

But hey, we can't get US troops killed.

So here's the plan. Draw up something official sounding for the President to sign that gives Haliburton authority to raise an army of mercenaries under the US flag to go kick some a$$ in Venezuela. They will be paid by revenue from Venezuelan oil after Chavez is gone.

There is legal precedent- in times past, privateers were given letters of marque to operate privately owned warships, taking enemy flagged vessels as prizes.

[Mo1]

European observers are dumbfounded not knowing what to do. However the generalised impression is that, in spite of the many irregularities that they have witnessed, they will not take a principled stance on any issue.

As known as turning a blind eye

[GermanBusiness]

[You get an overwhelming left wing vote in VZ regardless of who turns out to vote,]

But are the left wingers more than 50%? Not that I care. Even John Kerry felt this guy is bad news. I see an Allende moment possibly on its way. Then, if the public in VZ is still really left wing, let them choose someone who has been vetted as a semi sane left winger like the Brazilian president.

[WoofDog123]

Or recognizing that vz is a major petroleum producer, and not the worst offender in the election category.

[Billthedrill]

However the generalised impression is that, in spite of the many irregularities that [the European observers] have witnessed, they will not take a principled stance on any issue.

Uh...yeah...