President Hugo Chavez challenged the opposition on his Sunday nationwide program saying that the opposition would have to gather the signatures required, once again, since the ones collected on Feb. 2nd. were “chimbas” a local word signifying, fake and of bad quality at the same time. Nothing can be further from the truth, the signatures gathered at the “Firmazo” have been checked against the voters’ registry and despite the claim by Government officials and they would be valid. In fact, Vice-President Rangel had argued in February that the signatures for the referendum could not be gathered until the date it could be held half-way through Chavez’ term. However, the Supreme Court said that the signatures had to be handed in after that day, but could be collected ahead of time. As usual, with his statements Chavez was overstepping the bounds of propriety by issuing opinions on issues which are not part of the Executive branch of power. Whether the signatures are valid o not should be a decision made by the National Electoral Commission (CNE). Chavez was his usual cocky self, saying he would whip the opposition for the eight time in a row, which contradicts what all polls are currently saying about it.
And it was that Commission that Chávez and his MVR parties were fighting hard for. Under the Constitution, the members of the commission have to be approved by a two thirds majority of the National Assembly, which nobody holds. Chavez’ party has been demanding that should be able to pick three of the five members of the CNE, while the opposition argues that it should be two members chosen by each side and the fifth member somebody considered to be neutral. Chávez has reportedly ordered his MVR not to accept this which would delay the process. If the two sides do not reach an agreement, it would be the Supreme Court that would choose the members of the CNE. Since Chavez appointed the Court, he would have a very strong influence on the outcome. Thus, we come to the question that all Venezuelans are asking themselves: will Chavez allow the recall referendum to take place? While Chavez has insisted all along that this referendum was the only electoral solution possible, we have always had doubts that it will ever take place. Using legal maneuvering and controlling the CNE, Chavez and his cronies may delay, fight, distort and complicate the process sufficiently to their advantage. Clearly this appears to be their strategy going forward. .
The Devil's Excrement 
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