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Chavez does. Venezuelans know it. Expect strong support on Sunday. People won't tolerate the bad old days reinvented. They know a good thing and want it sustained.
Seven candidates are contesting. Only two matter. Chavez represents populism. Capriles stands for the worst of corporatism writ large.
October 7 is Venezuela's 15th national election since Chavez's took office in February 1999. According to the Carter Center and other independent observers, all were scrupulously open, free and fair.
Jimmy Carter calls Venezuela's electoral process "the best in the world" for good reason.
When Chavez or other Bolivarian candidates win, it's fair and square. In contrast, US elections have no credibility whatever. Money power runs things. People have no say.
Half opt out because it doesn't matter. Others are lawlessly excluded. All Venezuelans are enfranchised at birth. It's constitutionally mandated. Americans are systematically cheated.
On Sunday, around 200 international observers will monitor voting. Representatives from the Union of South American Nations are coming. Other countries are sending their own.
For 2006 presidential elections, turnout was about 75%. Record numbers are registered to vote. Poling station access is greater than ever. In the past decade, locations increased from 8,000 to 14,000. Doing so helps poor communities where most people live.
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