Venezuelan sides to sign pact--Referendum on Chavez possible

Thursday, May 29, 2003 Posted: 1637 GMT (12:37 AM HKT)

CARACAS, Venezuela (CNN-AP) -- Opposition leaders said they would sign Thursday a political pact laying ground rules for a possible referendum on Hugo Chavez's presidency but voiced concern that there was no guarantee the vote would take place.

Leaders said they were disappointed by the agreement brokered by the Organization of American States after six months of talks designed to bring stability to a country rattled by a short-lived coup and a long, crippling strike.

The signing ceremony was scheduled to be witnessed by OAS Secretary-General Cesar Gaviria and diplomats from six countries who helped broker talks: the United States, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Spain and Portugal.

The largest opposition party, Democratic Action, said it was not convinced the pact would prevent Chavez from delaying a referendum. The party vowed more street protests to ensure the vote occurs.

"We warn that a rogue government like Chavez's does not mean to honor any agreement," the party said in a statement late Wednesday. "The agreement by itself does not guarantee the realization of a recall referendum against Chavez. That's clear. It's clear the only thing that can guarantee it is popular pressure."

Other opposition parties and Venezuela's largest business association, Fedecamaras, had similar reservations. But they agreed it would put international pressure on Chavez to play by the rules.

President applauds agreement

The deal stipulates that current electoral laws cannot be amended by the Chavez-dominated Congress. To deter political violence, it requires authorities to disarm the population ahead of balloting and obliges the government to finance the vote.

On Tuesday, Chavez applauded the agreement, saying it would compel what he called a "fascist, coup-plotting" opposition to respect the constitution. Refusing to quit during the two-month strike, Chavez often noted that Venezuela's constitution allowed a referendum halfway through a president's term. That's August, in his case.

A two-month strike -- organized by Fedecamaras and Venezuela's largest trade union ended in February without achieving its goal of forcing early elections or Chavez's resignation. The protest almost paralyzed the world's No. 5 oil exporter, costing Venezuela US$6 billion. The economy shrank 29 percent in the first three months of 2003.

Opponents argue Chavez can no longer govern a country bitterly divided by those who fear he is becoming increasingly authoritarian and those who consider him a champion of the poor. They say they have the 2.5 million signatures required to petition for a referendum.

Election authorities must be named, signature and voter rolls verified, ballots printed and a date chosen before a referendum can be held.

Gaviria said Wednesday a referendum could be held in November if all those requirements were met.

The pact also provides for referendums on the terms of other elected officials. Chavez supporters want to revoke the mandates of several opposition legislators in a bid to increase the government's slim majority in Congress.