Politics
David Smolansky, a student leader of the Andrés Bello Catholic University (UCAB), said that the student movement would ask the government and political parties for dialogue and understanding in order to find a solution to major domestic problems.

"We would like to make up with the government, with the people who voted Yes and No and with the people who refrained themselves from voting. We would like to find effective solutions to issues that affect all of us, for instance, insecurity, unemployment, and health," Smolansky told El Universal during an exclusive interview.

He said that they would submit over the next few days a technical report on the results of the referendum held last February 15th and guidelines for the student movement. "Keeping a clear structure for upcoming election processes is important."

"The report will reflect the deployment of students during the process (to vote a draft amendment to the Constitution for endless reelection), its meaning for the country and performance during the campaign. In addition, we would like to give ideas and guidelines based on our experience, to make it easier for the next generation," he explained.

"Those who won the referendum should show the country that they are in office to manage and govern, instead of clinging to power. This is an acid test for the government, as it should find solutions and prove its commitment to the homeland," he stressed.

No defeat
Smolansky believes that the results of February 15th "by no means should be viewed as a setback," by the five million people who voted against the amendment.

"That day it was shown that there is in Venezuela a relief generation prepared to fight for democracy. Ours is a young population; 60 percent is younger than 30 years old; we have a steadfast youth platform and have shown our commitment to the country, to citizens, which goes beyond current conditions and any voting," he said.

On the election day, the student leader noted, more than 60,000 boys and girls "worked as witnesses, poll workers, crew members, promoters, and monitors. They carried out an efficient work and managed to rise to the occasion, taking into account the existing obstacles and harshness."

Building and keeping
In the opinion of Smolansky, Venezuelans' way of thinking that you have to make it soon should change. "This is not the hundred meters dash but a marathon and we must get used to work and get the results in the medium and long terms, to work on things and keep them."

He said that, like the student movement, political parties ought to sit down and conduct an analysis "to submit projects and make proposals in the medium term and seek dialogue and understanding with opposing sectors."

"This project demands lot of patience, and we are fine, because we did our best."

Translated by Conchita Delgado

Alicia De La Rosa
EL UNIVERSAL