Election Campaign Over,
Venezuelans Thoughtful
Caracas - After an
extensive electoral
campaign for the
regional and municipal
elections on Sunday,
Venezuelans are now
immersed in reflection.
Now that the campaign is
over, electoral
publicity is banned,
only calls to attend the
polls are allowed,
according to Venezuelan
electoral laws.
Similarly, alcohol sale
and consumption in
public places are
outlawed, to guarantee
the normal functioning
of voting stations and
the people's
tranquility.
The measure will be in
force until Monday,
along with the
prohibition to carry
firearms or of any kind,
especially at the over
34,800 polling sites.
Meanwhile, the 134
observers from 52
countries invited to the
elections will go to the
states of Zulia, Tachira,
Barinas, Bolivar, Nueva
Esparta, Anzoategui,
Lara, Monagas, Yaracuy,
and Caracas to witness
the development of the
electoral process.
The elections are
strategic for the
government and
opposition. A victory
would allow the
government to
consolidate the changes
started in 1999 by
President Hugo Chavez,
and for the opposition,
it would mean the
possibility to take him
out of power before
2013. |
