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Today, the pro-Chavez United Socialist Party of Venezuela ((PSUV) enjoys overwhelming support as evidenced in the November 2008 election when it won 72% of state governorships and 58% of the popular vote.
In February 2009, Venezuelans passed a constitutional amendment permitting an incumbent president and government officials to run for office without term limits. In other words, to let people vote their officials in or out, not party bosses in back rooms. Over the past decade, it shows in Venezuela:
-- media choices are more diverse;
-- more social classes than ever exist at state and local levels;
-- the electoral process is free, fair and open as judged by independent observers;
-- campaigns and procedures are less corrupt, violent and unable to be manipulated by the powerful;
-- citizen participation is widespread and impressive; and
-- governance under Chavez has lessened inequalities and encouraged the citizenry to participate in their democracy.
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