Stronger opposition at the Venezuelan National Assembly

Politics
Venezuela's National Assembly -a unicameral Congress- is to start sessions on Wednesday amidst high expectation for a stronger presence of the opposition in a parliament where, nevertheless, the pro-government faction will prevail.

In the last parliamentary vote, the ruling party got 98 out of the 165 disputed seats, versus 65 for the dissenting Democratic Unified Panel (MUD). The two remaining seats fell into the hands of independent Patria Para Todos (A Homeland for All, PPT) party, DPA recalled.

Pro-government reelected congressman Darío Vivas told state-run media that the purpose of the new National Assembly would be the development of the "lawmaking people." That is, bills are supposed to come directly from ordinary people.

Pro-government deputies dismissed taking sides with the opposition and it has been disclosed that the three members of the board of directors belong to the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), led by President Hugo Chávez.

The outgoing parliament was elected in 2005 amidst a boycott of the opposition to protest against the voting conditions. As a result, government followers got all of the disputed seats.

All in all, as a result of subsequent disputes, there was a rift in the pro-government bloc, enabling the opposition to have a tiny representation at the parliament.

The end of sessions of the National Assembly was not less controversial than its beginning. In its last month, the legislature passed an enabling law under which President Chávez was empowered to issue decrees with full force and effect for 18 months.

In addition, 27 laws containing 1,816 articles were approved. As per a recent account of opposition leader Carlos Vecchio, one article every five minutes had been endorsed.

The opposition is certain that President Chávez's followers would be unable to take such measures in the new parliament, because the PSUV did not get two thirds of the necessary seats to endorse organic laws, or the two fifths needed to vest in enabling powers.

The very inauguration of the new National Assembly has become the stage where government followers and dissenters are measuring their strength. Both sides urged their supporters to rally near the congress.

The call was important to "show that our deputies have the people's support," Ramón Guillermo Aveledo, the MUD Executive Secretary, told Unión Radio.

The demonstration to be stage by the opposition has been justified as a move to protest against the special powers granted to President Chávez and the amendment to the regulation of discussions which limits congressmen the term to take the floor. According to Aveledo, this "weakened the parliament."

Both rallies were scheduled for Wednesday at 8:00 a.m., near the Caracas Legislative Palace. However, they will take place on different sites to prevent any clashes.
In addition, given the early hours for the demonstrations and since most Venezuelans are still on New Year holiday, not a high turnout was expected in either of them.

Translated by Conchita Delgado