Chavez's recall set for 15 August

[struggle4progress]

It has been announced that a referendum on the rule of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez will be held on 15 August.

Ezequiel Zamora of the National Electoral Council said elections would follow in 30 days if Mr Chavez loses.
<snip>

The opposition say they are trying to free Venezuela from the clutches of a tyrant who has done little to improve people's standard of living.

But it is just a loose coalition of groups from across the political spectrum.
<snip>

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3789219.stm

[bemildred]

1. Smart, IMHO.

Finally give them what they asked for, and then kick their ass again.

[KamaAina]

2. How come no one on the right ever seems to get recalled?

Just wondering...

[bemildred]

3. In this case, there are some opposition legislators being recalled too.

Nine, I think.

[HawkerHurricane]

4. Don't worry...

If it looks like Chavez will be recalled, he'll resign so he can run in the special election.

[Freddie Stubbs]

5. If Davis had resigned before his recall petitions had been certified

California would not have a Republican as Governor right now.

[geek tragedy]

6. Put up or shut up time

for both sides. If a majority votes to keep Chavez, then his opponents will need to STFU.

[daleo]

7. If they lose, they will try again

In Canada, Quebec has periodic referenda on separation (every ten years or so, we are about due again). So far the anti-federalist forces have always lost, but they keep trying. The slang term now is the "neverendum".

Venezuela's case may be different in specifics (legal provisions for recall, etc.) but the ability of well finances and highly motivated groups to keep doggedly pursuing an agenda is in no doubt.