So you think politics are rough in Washington DC? Check out Venesuela.
This week when tempers flared, a bare knuckle bar room brawl broke out among politicians on the assembly floor…watch the carnage here.
For those of you who haven’t been following the recent trajectory of Venezuelan politics here’s a quick recap:
After the recent death of the controversial strongman Hugo Chavez, a snap election was held to fill his seat.
The April 14 contest pitted his chosen successor and former bus driver, Nicolas Maduro, against opposition leader (and US favorite) Henrique Capriles. The first count tally gave the victory Maduro by 300,000 votes, or 1.8%.
Most nations including the members of several key countries in South America were quick to recognize the new president, however the US did not (of course). It appeared some parts of the electoral process were regarded as, how do we put this, a tad shady.
Capriles demanded a recount. Initially he was denied but eventually the National Electoral Council (CNE) gave in and did a quick recount of about 46% of the votes. Earlier this week the results came in and narrowed Maduro’s victory to less than 225,00 votes, or 1.49%.
Capriles’ backers were still not satisfied. After his supporters unfurled a banner in the National Assembly protesting a proposed law demanding them to officially recognize the presidency of Nicolas Maduro, the Statehouse brawl broke out.
Yesterday, International Workers Day, thousands have taken to the streets in Caracas. Pro- Capriles and pro-Maduro supporters marched and battled. There were deaths and injuries, and a US film maker arrested for treason. Capriles plans to appeal the election results to Venezuela’s High Court before taking the case to the international community.
Who knows how much longer this election debacle could carry on for? The case is already subject to large amounts of international attention and Capriles shows no sign of slowing down. But if we’ve learned anything from these events it’s that democracy can be a little crazy.
