Embassy emits message of democratic strength in Venezuela

Following the highly anticipated sub-national elections in Venezuela over the weekend, the below communique was sent via email from the Venezuelan embassy in the US on Monday evening:

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Statement
Regional elections held on November 23rd, 2008, broke a historic record for levels of participation in regional elections in Venezuela, with 65.45% voter turnout. The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Washington, D.C. considers it important to state the following for U.S. public opinion:These elections represent the unquestionable political maturity and commitment to democracy of the Venezuelan people. Likewise, they confirm the unquestionable democratic character of the government of President Hugo Chávez, and they are an example of the independence, transparency and efficiency of the Venezuelan Electoral Branch, which is one of the most advanced in the world.

Over 130 international invitees witnessed the elections. In a public address, President Hugo Chávez congratulated the Venezuelan people for what he considered an example of the affirmation of the democratic nature of the Venezuelan people, and successes for the 1999 Constitution and for the Venezuelan political system. He also immediately recognized offices won by the opposition and called upon their leaders to abide by democratic principles, to dedicate themselves to governing, and not to engage in the schemes that diverted them from the democratic path between 2000 and 2003.

The President also emphasized that in this government “we are respectful and we will be respectful of the will of the majority.” These elections confirm the strengthening of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) as the major political force in the country. The Venezuelan people elected PSUV candidates in 17 of 22 governorships with significant margins of victory and a national turnout of almost 6 million voters. No interpretation of these electoral results can avoid this reality. Without a doubt, the central government is stronger from this great popular support after 10 years in office and over 11 elections. Yesterday’s elections were the twelfth electoral process of the last 10 years.

The people and government of Venezuela have once again shown their commitment to change and to participatory democracy, and their respect for constitutional order. The elections’ results are a clear reflection of the deepening and dynamic nature of our democracy during the leadership of President Hugo Chávez Frías.

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Say what you will about the Bolivarian revolution, but Hugo Chávez's conciliatory tone, the government's basic compliance with observers, and Venezuela's relatively peaceful balloting is a far cry from what we say 2 weeks ago from their Nicaraguan neighbors to the north.