Politics
The fact that an amendment to the Constitution intended to establish unlimited reelection of Venezuela's president and all other elected public offices can be proposed endlessly may jeopardize social co-existence in the country, said the Venezuelan Bishops' Conference (CEV).
 
In a press conference to publish the CEV statement on the 150th anniversary of Venezuela's Federal War, the chair of the Bishops' Conference, Monsignor Ubaldo Santana, said that "the strained climate in our society" has become apparent following a move to raise again a question that was actually rejected by Venezuelans in a referendum held on December 2, 2007.  

The chair of the CEV stated that "lingering pursuit of power buildup" can lead to worsened social confrontation. Reference was made both to the ruling of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) establishing that any proposed amendment to the Constitution can be filed and voted endlessly and to President Hugo Chávez's statements that if he loses a referendum on this subject matter next February 15, he will attempt at raising the question again.

Accompanied by the other members of the CEV, Santana questioned the fact that "on the Venezuelan agenda, the government is putting aside the top priority issues that affect the whole country, while privileging issues that are a priority for some politicians only." 

He added that a number of complaints have been filed with the CEV about coercion of public employees and beneficiaries of welfare missions who have reportedly been forced to campaign and vote to endorse indefinite reelection of public officials.

Monsignor Santana urged government officials to respect freedom of conscience, freedom of vote, and asked them to prevent any abuse of power to force employees to go to rallies or demonstrations or vote against their will.  

During the meeting with the media, the CEV Vice-President, Baltazar Porras, took the floor to reject the glorification of armed conflicts of the past.

He recalled that both the Federal War and the Independence War were painful events, and resulted in thousands of deaths, a crippled economy and social hatred. "This was high a price to pay for the consolidation of the institution in the country, which has not been fully attained to date."

Porras highlighted that it is dangerous to "fuel violence" in order to use it as a political tool.
vcastillo@gmail.com

Translated by Gerardo Cárdenas

Vivian Castillo
EL UNIVERSAL