Chavistas: At it Again

Posted on August 1st, 2009 Greg Trunz No comments  Print This Post

It was recently reported that the Venezuelan government has revoked the broadcasting licenses of 34 private radio stations. According to the government, the stations affected failed to comply with concession and registration renewal requirements. Although many within the independent media community are using whatever channels they can to protect their rights, broadcasters are poised for compliance. Meanwhile, regulators continue to investigate over 200 other stations. According to the Associated Press: “Chavez has said the concessions could be handed over to operators who share his vision for a socialist Venezuela.”

This news comes amidst additional reports that the Venezuelan National Assembly approved an election law that is expected to give Chavistas an institutional advantage in the next round of voting. While supporters contend that the law will allow the country’s indigenous population a greater voice in government, critics charge that by giving the National Electoral Council the opportunity to redraw district boundaries, it is merely an underhanded attempt to manufacture a permanent majority through the art of gerrymandering. (Members of the National Electoral Council are selected by a simple majority in the National Assembly, which is currently controlled by Chavez’s United Socialist Party of Venezuela.)