Media Analysis: Venezuela's Opposition Didn't Collect Enough Signatures

[einniv]

Two articles here to compare.

Here is a peek in to how the media machine works. Also be sure to remember this for later in case the spin devolves even further.

Note in the BBC article how nothing is mentioned about why the signatures are being disputed. The only thing they say is what the opposition claims. That is , that it was not part of the rules. They later note that the "signers" have been protesting for days.

Certainly leaves one with a less than warm feeling about Chavez' move.

From BBC: Chavez ruling triggers protests
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3522895.stm
--snip--
The National Electoral Council said only 1.8m signatures calling for a referendum had been verified, but another 870,000 were disputed.

The opposition needs 2.4m to force the vote on leftist President Hugo Chavez.

It could still reach this target - the council has said it will publish lists of the disputed signatures and set up posts where people who find themselves on these listings can go and validate their entry.

--snip--

Senior opposition figures have already said they will not accept the electoral commission's plans for voters to confirm their signatures, complaining this was not included in the initial rules for the referendum.



Now why would they leave out a very important detail like that. Specifically the reason given by the council. Note, I am not saying one should automatically believe the council, but, isn't this very important information for someone forming an opinion of the goings on?

What are they trying to pull here?


From Venezuela Analysis: Venezuela's Opposition Did Not Collect Enough Signatures Yet for Chavez Recall
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=1211

--snip--
2,437,080 signatures are needed to trigger the recall referendum on the President’s mandate.

The Council, by unanimous decision of the Technical Committee, decided that 876,017 signatures grant revalidation on the part of the signers, in accordance with article 31 of the CNE referenda norms, due to the fact that the forms where they are contained present similar calligraphy (filled by the same person instead of the 10 different signers per form).

You mean massive fraud? Would powerful right wingers really do that? :eyes:

233,573 signatures were invalidated by unanimous decision of the CNE Technical Committee, due to irregularities according to article 3 of CNE referenda norms. Among those irregularities are, first name, last name or ID number missing, ID number not coinciding with the one registered in the CNE, form number not appearing in the tally forms, amendments made to the forms, mutilations of the forms and the removal or alteration of security features such as serial numbers.

143,930 signatures were rejected due to signers not being registered to vote, minors, foreigners or not authorized to vote.

39,060 requests were ignored because they contained signer's data but no signature.

The CNE processed a total of 388,108 forms, 7,297 of which were either empty or voided.


Almost seems like they are trying to manipulate opinion by omitting crucial facts.

[einniv]

1. ..

:kick:

[einniv]

2. ..

:kick:

[einniv]

3. ..

[not systems]

4. Manipulated opinion?

No not possible.

Omitting crucial facts.

Not the world famous anglo-mouth-piece the BBC.

Never!

:kick:

[einniv]

5. Documentation for the forged signatures

Here is another article someone alerted me to and I finally tracked down.

This sounds like people signing the names for their entire family maybe? What is the literacy rate I wonder.
This does sound like nitpicking but I can't say I blame him. But then again some might just be total frauds. Sign for 10 family memebers?

Venezuela’s Electoral Council Presents Details About How and Why it Placed Signatures under Observation
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news.php?newsno=1206

[Judi Lynn]

8. The Bush-backed "opposition" deserves to really be slammed down hard

From the article:

Rodriguez Denounces Threats Against Him and other Electoral Officials

Electoral Council member Jorge Rodriguez also told of death threats against him and his family and that of Oscar Battaglini, another council member accused by the opposition of being pro-government. Rodriguez said that the threats are being directed against them via telephone, e-mail, and short wave radio. The threats launched via short wave radio even provided the home address of both council members and encouraged people to go to their home to attack them.

Finally, Rodriguez denounced that another infringement on the privacy of council members. Several major Venezuelan newspapers reprinted anonymous advertisements urging that people call the home, cell phone, and office numbers of the three council members that the opposition accused by the opposition of being alligned with the government. Rodriguez added that while the council rejects this kind of pressure, none of it would have any effect on their decisions.
(snip/...)

You can be sure if people here started making death threats to Republican members of our government, they'd be getting company in no time at all. Good grief!

[Joanne98]

6. The media hates Chavez

You know the opposition didn't get enough signatures. They're the rich minority.

[gandalf]

7. WHAT the media report is

that Chavez called Bush an asshole. Obviously the press considered that more important.