In the background, there have been all sorts of public statements by the Chavez regime threatening various opposition candidates and constituencies. None of these are more meaningful than moves directed against former-Gen. Raul Baduel, whose influence in the military was vital to H. Chavez when Baduel was on the same political team, and is now the biggest threat to Chavez now that Baduel is in opposition. From a private e-mail on the latest event:
A rural property said to be owned by Baduel was raided. Is Chávez trying to tell him not to meddle with the results of these elections? He was instrumental in getting Chávez to accept the results of December 2nd, so perhaps he's worried that Baduel and his followers (in the Armed Forces) will stop Chávez again?
*Here* is a Noticias24 report (in Spanish) on the raid on R. Baduel's property.
So to answer the question asked, yes, I think the Chavez regime is very worried. They are worried about opposition; they are worried about popular support; and they are very, very worried because the Basket price on Venezuelan Crude is down to US$40.68 as of Friday trading.
Chavez with no money = Chavez with no friends.
It is going to be an interesting election day.
13 comments:
I need to check this out when I get back-- your last comment-- Chavez no money and no friends... funny!
Looks like this will NOT be a clean election - why am I not surprised? There are reports of irregularities, such as people showing up to vote and being told that they are listed as deceased in the electoral rolls.
http://www.noticias24.com/actualidad/noticia/20459/llegan-a-votar-pero-les-dicen-que-estan-muertos/
A blog participant, on Margarita Island had asked for to be moved to a polling place closer to home. He appears on-line on the CNE (Electoral Council) webpage as voting in Pampatar; went to vote and was told he's listed as voting in Porlamar (the capital, about a 45 minute drive); drove to Porlamar and - oh surprise -- his name isn't there either!!! This is how a lot of people will see their right to vote VIOLATED.
sorry, that should read "had asked to be moved" -- forgot to delete "for"
I heard Chavez needs oil (price per barrel) to be closes to $100 to support his regime. The low oil prices also cause problems for Russia and Iran..... all good from my perspective.
As for Venezuelas elections..... I expected nothing less than corruption. But, am hoping that the opposition picks up some offices.
K2, I too am hoping the opposition picks up some offices. It is evident that there are irregularities. People in Carabobo State are complaining that they voted for "El Pollo" (the opposition candidate) and their vote appears as having voted for the PSUV candidate, Mario Silva. Even Adan Chávez complained that his father (the current governor) voted one way and his vote showed he had cast his vote for someone else. Chávez' father, of course, was allowed to vote again, but what about the rest? Will they be allowed to cast another vote? It seems the machines are pre-programmed to give a different result. Fraud anyone?
http://www.noticias24.com/actualidad/noticia/20456/denuncian-que-votan-por-el-pollo-pero-que-la-maquina-lo-pone-a-mario-silva/
Chávez is having a difficult time of it with the Venezuelan Basket at around $40. He doesn't have enough money with all the entitlement programs and freebies!!
In case you're interested, from Venezuela:
"There are many indications that the bingo/voting machines are flipping votes ... entirely possible with these terminals.
Chavismo pulling out all the stops including Smartmatic."
The polls have been held open late, and now the CNE is slow to get the count out. And you KNOW what that means...
*Here* is Daniel at Venezuela News and Views, live-blogging the after hours reporting.
And here's from sources (yes, opposition sources):
"Muchos rumores....otros no tan rumores......la GN y la PM y muchos motorizados por toda caracas......no cantemos victoria todavía......hay muchas contradicciones en cuanto a cifras se refiere.........estemos atentos a cualquier llamado......estan haciendo todo lo posible para minimizar los numeros..........el tipejo desbordado.......los amenazó a todos.......
"Rumors everywhere... They are having a hard time reducing the numbers for the winners and changing who won... "el tipejo desbordado" is a reference to Chávez who is livid.
"Reports of buses arriving at polling centers and Chavistas trying to kick down doors to vote. The wonderful "Plan República" (military custodians) is turning a blind eye to everything that is happening..."
***
As I have said elsewhere before: it is not surprising that such is reported; it is not surprising if such indeed happened; it IS SURPRISING in this day of camera cell-phones that no video has been seen of this... yet.
Another of the great reads (in English and Spanish) on matters Venezuela, Gustavo Coronel, calls the situation more direly for the Chavistas...
"It seems that once the total national vote is counted the opposition might well have a majority. At any rate the margin would be small, one way or the other."
Now, these are local elections. There is no binding meaning to "national vote", BUT...
...if the opposition wins in enough of the high-population areas, it is indicative that Chavez would face urban opposition on a massive scale if (when?) he tries to amend the Constitution again to lift his term-limit.
Results are now crawling in...
Oppo wins in 3 states and Caracas (governor level), and 2 more states still too close to call.
clarification:
Caracas is a Mayoral-level win, the 3 states mentioned are Governor-level wins.
The AP has it as Hugo claims victory, loses 5 states and the capital.
It is looking to be a half-a-loaf result, from either side.
Post a Comment