Caracas, November 23rd, 2008

ELECTIONS DAY In Venezuela: Provincial Governors (22) & Municipal Mayors (188) | ELECCIONES REGIONALES 2008

THESE ARE VERY IMPORTANT ELECTIONS, because it will change and alter, drastically, the political map of Venezuela.

For every major election the government decrees a "Plan Republica", during which, the military armed forces (some 125,000 to 145,000 personnel are dispatched to every pool station) take control of every voting station (more than 9,000), in order to avoid local disturbances, fraud and supply assistance with the logistics. Normally, more than 95-99% of the voting centers are open and state-of-the-art electronic and scanning equipment are provided for.

During every election there is a "Ley Seca", dray law, during which there is no alcohol sales and all personal fire arms permits are revoked. Even so, in Caracas and other major urban centers, dozens of crimes are committed.

In every voting station there is finger print reader and after the vote the small finger of the right hand is immersed in a strong tint liquid, as a proof of voting (not to go to another voting station to vote again).

This year the elections are marked by a strong opposition to the Hugo Chavez's government domestic, and foreign policies, along with his highly criticized social and economic agenda.

The Venezuelans are very well trained voters, the country being one of the first one in the world to employ electronic elections and digital scanners. Long waiting lines (3-5 hours) are not a negative argument in order to vote. Strong rains or other natural calamities are not a factor in impeding the Venezuelan people to exercise their right to vote, for preserving the democracy and liberty.

Despite high-tech hardware employed, the process is often prolonged (for technical & political reasons) and the results are not bradcasted immidiately.

First official bulletin: seven+ hours later, Tibisay Lucena, the CNE president ,appeared on TV at 11:20PM, and with 95.7% of polls audited stated the official voting results.

The process is highly polarized between the pro-government and opposition forces. For more information, you can visit www.globovision.com
Monday, Nov.24th, 2008
The opposition victory in 3 main provinces (Zulia, Miranda and Carabobo) will boots their political position and give them control over more than 37% of the voting power in Venezuela. The opposition added to the political basket the Nueva Esparta governor position (Isla de Margarita).
Along they won some 50% if the mayors positions in the country. The most important, the Metropolitan Caracas Mayor position was von as well by an opposition member, Antonio Ledezma.

Hedi Enghelberg | hedi@enghelberg.com