Chavez ahead, Opposition Toughens

Caracas
Oct 21

The overwhelming possibilities of victory for Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez, 45 days before the elections, today led the opposition to radicalize its discourse to subversive actions.

All surveys give Chavez an advantage that would be difficult to turn around by December 3.

Declarations by the main opposition candidate, Manuel Rosales and other spokespersons, blew the alarm in several media that warned of the possibility of an anti-constitutional coup under the pretext of an alleged election fraud.

Rosales, Zulia governor, is considered the crux of the project due to his known support of anti-constitutional actions, such as in the April 2002 attempted coup and his signature affixed to a decree annulling state powers.

Significantly, Rosales who had told reporters in Caracas that if he won he would continue to supply oil to all countries, including Cuba, this week changed his tune to defend the US blockade of the Island.

Venezuelan legislators are warning the population to be aware in case of possible destabilization attempts in coming days.

Parliamentary vice president, Desirée Santos Amaral, called attention to recent actions such as a disruption in La Güiria port in Sucre State that resulted in seven fishermen wounded and a demonstration that tried to reach the Presidential Palace.

It is her belief that some sectors are attempting to take advantage of similar events to mar the election campaign and "foment disturbances and anarchies." It is by those who do not accept their sure defeat on December 3.

President Hugo Chavez denounced attempts to pay off officers of the Armed Forces to create a favorable atmosphere for internal clashes. These would interrupt his nationalist policy of defending the wealth of this South American country, third most important world producer of oil.

He considers that the George W. Bush government is behind these anti-constitutional actions of the Venezuelan opposition that believes subversion is the only way to counteract popular support.