2007 Venezuelan referendum protests
Venezuelan protests for and against President Hugo Chávez's proposed 2 December constitutional referendum occurred after the National Assembly approved the referendum on 2 November 2007.
In November 2007, demonstrations arose in Caracas, Venezuela and six other cities over the proposed constitutional changes. "Tens of thousands" of "Yes" voters marched in Caracas after the referendum had finally been approved on 2 November.[1] A 8 November riot at the Central University of Venezuela resulted in clashes between students and several masked gunmen, with several injuries;[2] footage was caught on tape.[3] In late November 2007, just days before the referendum, tens of thousands marched in Caracas for both the "Yes" and "No" votes.[4] An opposition politician estimated the crowd marching for the "No" vote at 160,000.[5] Protests were largely peaceful, and only one pro-government worker's death has been reported.[6][7]
Some of Chávez's supporters expressed concerns and disagreement with his proposals to change the constitution.
Many voters abstained in the vote, rather than cast a "No" vote against Chávez.[8][9] The student movement played a crucial role in consolidating this position[10] and in organizing numerous rallies.[5][11] The student movement has played a large role in the Venezuelan political process, having gained a prominent position during the RCTV broadcast license expiration protests.[12] Although the student movement is not limited to the opposition,[13] it has been the opposition students that have gained the largest support, in part because they are not officially affiliated with any political cadres.[8] After the election the student movement was awarded $500,000 from libertarian Cato Institute located in Washington, D.C. USA.[14]
See also
References
- ^ James, Ian (21 November 2007). "Thousands Rally for Chavez's Proposal". The Associated Press. Archived from the original on 24 November 2007. Retrieved 4 December 2007.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Sierra, Sandra (8 November 2007). "Gunfire erupts at Venezuela university". Associated Press. newsvine.com. Archived from the original on 11 December 2007. Retrieved 3 December 2007.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Template:Es icon "Varios heridos en la UCV por agresión opositora contra estudiantes". RadioMundial.com. Venezuelan government. Archived from the original on 10 December 2007. Retrieved 8 December 2007.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Strange, Hannah (30 November 2007). "100,000 march against Hugo Chavez reforms". London: Times Online. Retrieved 1 December 2007.
- ^ a b "Students stage anti-Chavez rally". BBC News. 30 November 2007. Archived from the original on 3 December 2007. Retrieved 3 December 2007.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "One person killed in demonstration in Venezuela". El Universal. 26 November 2007. Archived from the original on 21 December 2007. Retrieved 6 December 2007.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Template:Es icon "Un muerto y 6 heridos durante protestas". El Universal. 27 November 2007. Archived from the original on 30 November 2007. Retrieved 6 December 2007.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b Gould, Jens Erik (3 December 2007). "Why Venezuelans Turned on Chavez". Time. Archived from the original on 5 December 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Romero, Simon (30 November 2007). "In Chávez Territory, Signs of Dissent". New York Times. Archived from the original on 1 December 2007. Retrieved 1 December 2007.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Kraul, Chris (4 December 2007). "Chavez revolution takes hit in election". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 13 December 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
- ^ "Students want referendum to be hold (sic) on 3 February 2008". El Universal. 23 October 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
- ^ Nunez, Elizabeth (4 June 2007). "Venezuela Students Spur Protest Movement". The Washington Post. Retrieved 8 December 2007.
- ^ "Bolivarian students are marching to Chávez's government headquarters". El Universal. 21 November 2007. Retrieved 8 December 2007.
- ^ "Venezuelan Student Movement Leader Awarded $500,000 Milton Friedman Liberty Prize". Cato Institute. Archived from the original on 4 November 2008. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
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External links
