It seems he likes to hold court amid supporters.  Maybe the "Bolivar State" is too hot right now wth the disgruntled miners?  Having a bunch of displaced miners protesting in the audience wouldn't look too good on "Telemundo".  Having said that....it might make more sense from a PR point of view to award the permit first and then broadcast the Alo Presidente from Km 88 with the smiles and cheers of the townsfolk as a backdrop