Venezuelan Opposition Courts Working Class***Political leaders say that their proselytizing must sometimes be carried out with particular care. While loud, raucous anti-Chávez protests are common in the affluent eastern part of Caracas, such rallies can backfire in the poor west. Members of the opposition say it is far more effective to go door to door, taking time to explain their position. Political gatherings are often convened only after a neighborhood has been checked to ensure a welcoming atmosphere.
In small steps, political parties and many community organizations opposed to Mr. Chávez have started to gear up political activities in poor districts in preparation for the referendum on Mr. Chávez's rule. Though a date has not been set, Mr. Chávez and his adversaries last month agreed to allow Venezuelans to vote on whether they want him to continue in power.
At First Justice, which started as a civic organization and became a political party two years ago, those who work in Catia and other poor districts are under no illusions. But Armando Briquet, who oversees operations in much of the metropolitan area, said the strategy is simple: to focus on the growing economic and crime problems and not overtly criticize the president. "We are telling people, `We understand your problems, that we can help you look for solutions,' " Mr. Briquet said in an interview in his office. "That there is a different way of doing things, different from the old way and the current way."***
Ruling Party Boycotts Parliamentary Session to Thwart Referendum on Chavez's Rule*** Opposition lawmakers yell 'We want work' in front of empty desks of the pro-government lawmakers in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, June 12, 2003. Ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary session to avoid what they said was planned opposition violence in the latest episode in a feud delaying congressional efforts to choose election authorities that would prepare a referendum on President Hugo Chavez's rule.***