"The opposition alliance should be in the country's everyday life"

Executive secretary of the opposition Unified Democratic Panel (MUD), Ramón Guillermo Aveledo, 1950, recalled that Hugo Chávez is the only person of his generation who has become president of Venezuela. Thus, Aveledo stressed the need for the emergence of a new generation of leaders able to avoid the mistakes of previous generations. To attain this goal, "they must understand the country, what we are as a society, our recent history, our economy, and the role of the State and that of oil."

In view of the defeat of Henrique Capriles Radonski in the presidential election held on October 7, Aveledo stated that citizens should strive for many things. Consequently, it is necessary to stand up again and participate in the gubernatorial election to be held next December 16. 

- What is the MUD next task?

- Some aspects demand an in-depth analysis (...) It is our duty to analyze the campaign and our policy, following completion of this phase. As we approach December election, we must bear in mind that in 2013 the opposition alliance must rely on a new repertoire of ways to communicate with the country. This implies organization, messages, and speakers. Preserving the unity does not mean that there will be not changes or that we will keep unity it a greenhouse. This can be made in different ways. That is why a special team has been assigned to compile a report, make strategic decisions with no rush, and use critical thought as a means to improve. We cannot leave the country without alternatives.

- Where does the MUD stand after three years of its incorporation? The ballot of the opposition alliance was opposition voters' number one choice.

-There are some assets, including unity, which is highly valued by everyone. The value of unity, let us not forget this, is what encouraged voters to choose the MUD ballot in the past election. This ballot was created upon a proposal made by opposition leaders Julio Borges and Roberto Enríquez in July 2011 as both a symbol and an alternative for voters, who sent us a clear message: "We want you united; keep working together." That is not a vote against anybody or in favor of any individual. It is a vote for the unifying project. 

Another asset is Capriles' leadership. Time will tell what the scope will be, but it is a fact based on the principles of democracy. He communicated with the population and sent all Venezuelans a message consistent with that of the MUD, as expressed in a document signed on June 8 (2009). That is why it was believable. It is consistent. All of us have a role to play in order to increase the assets of democratic unity and Capriles' leadership. Capriles must accept this new challenge posed by democracy, and grasp its essence. He is very good at that.

- The MUD ballot was useful for October 7 election. I understand it is valid until December 31. Would you reconsider it and use it for local elections?

-Setting up a political party was necessary to obtain the ballot, as there is no ballot without a political party. This creation was the result of a unanimous decision. We agreed that it may not be used for other vote, unless unanimously decided (...) I believe the ballot should remain as an alternative. Some of us, voters, want to express ourselves using a pluralist symbol and not the opposite. The most important thing right now is to strengthen unity without depending on the ballot.     

-With the perfect alliance?

-It can be done with the perfect alliance and unifying activities, through working groups, for example. Here lies something we agreed upon on June 8 (2009), yet it has not been fully developed, that is, the creation of a comprehensive "social network for democratic support," which means having a presence in the country's everyday life. The country does not exist only when an election is held. The country exists everyday...

- Capriles stated more campaign without him was needed and urged his followers to keep the opposition campaign team Comando Venezuela running.

- That is his view. I do believe there was campaign without him and in our assessment we must find out what happened. Things happen for one reason. We will seek the driving forces behind the results. Otherwise, we won't be able to prevent this from happening again. There may be different paths, yet they should lead us to the same place. 

Translated by Jhean Cabrera