Allies of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez claimed two-thirds of Congressional seats in Sunday's election after the opposition boycotted the polls. Officials estimated turnout of 25% of eligible voters, and 79% of the votes had been counted as of this morning. (CNN)
I'm worried! I would love to support what this guy is trying to do, but it looks like he is becoming a total autocrat, which can't be good for the country. A health opposition is necessary to maintain peace.
ReplyDeleteJoseph, who is behind the boycott?
ReplyDeleteThe boycott is backed by the main opposition parties (which aren't so large). These include the two traditional parties Acción Democrática (AD) and Comité de Organización Política Electoral Independient (Copei) among others. These parties are seen as representing the pre-Chavez status quo which was corrupt and non-democratic (a basic level of formal democracy, passing the reigns from one party to the other, sound familiar?) The opposition is supported by the major media and large business owners in Venezuela, and the Bush administration. One of the most outspoken members of the opposition is María Corina Machado, who, unfortunately, is on trial currently.
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