Venezuelan opposition formally challenges Maduro’s victory in April’s snap election

Friday, May 3rd 2013 - 06:09 UTC

Full article 11 comments

The Venezuelan opposition on Thursday challenged the results of last month's presidential poll won by the late Hugo Chavez's successor, further muddying an already messy transition to life without the divisive leader. The formal challenge was done with the Supreme Court, despite allegations the tribunal is loaded with pro-Chavez judges and certain to reject the challenge. Read full article

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manchesterlad
Even though I wanted Capriles to win, I think his tactics are wrong in pursuing what seems like a lost cause

Maduro & his cronies will never have a recount since it will expose all the fraud that went on & show him up to be the illegitimate president he is

Capriles best bet is to accept the results & wait for Maduro to finish off what Chavez started 14 years ago i.e. bring the country to it's knees through mismanagement, corruption & social policies that died with the Soviet Union
May 03rd, 2013 - 11:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Tobers
6 years is a long time to wait. And theres no guarantee that Maduro's position wont strengthen even if things get alot worse. Look at Cuba. Also what a hell of a mess to clean up! Better for Capriles to keep applying pressure after all he only 'lost' by a tiny % which means half the country are desperate for him to get rid of the Bolivarian bullshit.
May 03rd, 2013 - 12:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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ElaineB
I was flip-flop-ing over this. It probably is in the opposition's interest to keep the country divided and questioning the result - the voters are almost equally divided - especially as there is major trouble ahead. With the lack of electricity, food and stability, people are not going to be quiet in their discontent.
May 03rd, 2013 - 01:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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GFace
@1 I disagree in part. He and the rest of the opposition had to be “engaged” until there was no doubt that the system was a joke. It has been demonstrated to be so since the CNE has refused to examine their specific complaints in the election. It has been demonstrated by saying that there is a jail cell waiting for him for the crime of running for a government reserved now for the PSUV. It's been demonstrated to be so when they locked the doors of assembly, and assaulted opposition legislators.

He and his colleagues did their part for liberal democracy. They are now at risk. They can't fix the system from a grave and they probably aren't safe in a PSUV jail cell.

Even the contrarian “Eustonian” left wing progressives Harry's Place, who have long opposed Chavismo, are now basically thinking it's time for the opposition to go “John Galt” on the country. And when progressives start channeling Ayn Rand, you know it's pretty bad. It's fearfully unfortunate what will happen to the country and its most vulnerable people who have been suckered by the PSUV, but maybe they SHOULD just let it go, let it crash and then rebuild.
May 03rd, 2013 - 02:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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manchesterlad
@2
There is no way Maduro will last 6 years, even Chavez had to recover from a coup attempt...... & Maduro is no Chavez!!!

When the economy crashes (it`s on the brink already) more people will blame the bus driver for the problems & will want a change.... this will give Capriles a bit of a majority & more legitimacy to challenge Maduro

The 50/50 split at the moment is too volatile & will inevitably lead to more violence & death..... I`m not sure Capriles wants to be blamed for more bloodshed!!!
May 03rd, 2013 - 04:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Tobers
I think the big question is what will the armed forces do? When all really goes to shit will they continue to back Maduro et al? Unfortunately it looks like its going to get increasingly messy.
May 03rd, 2013 - 04:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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reality check
How do you seriously talk politics with a guy sitting opposite dressed like a ferkin pizza delivery boy!!!!!!
May 03rd, 2013 - 07:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Troy Tempest
@7

“How do you seriously talk politics with a guy sitting opposite dressed like a ferkin pizza delivery boy!!!!!!”

Nationalists literally wrapping themselves in the flag.

They would be better Patriots if they would follow the law and ratify the election results.
May 03rd, 2013 - 11:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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cornelius
Patriotism The last refuge of scoundrels!
May 04th, 2013 - 02:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Welsh Wizard
“The formal challenge was done with the Supreme Court, despite allegations the tribunal is loaded with pro-Chavez judges and certain to reject the challenge.”

This is the primary reason for Argentina wanting to “democratise” their judiciary. Politically aligned judges.
May 07th, 2013 - 08:34 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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Stevie
Welsh Wiz
You mean they are not politically aligned today?
May 09th, 2013 - 02:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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