"Elections could not be held now because they would not be fair. We have an overwhelming majority at present and it is in the interest of the nation that the political parties become fully developed and their programs defined before elections are held." — Fidel Castro, The New York Times, February 28, 1959
Ever so solicitous of the interests of the opposition Fidel Castro declined to hold elections in 1959 because it "would not be fair" as support for the Revolution ("his" party) was overwhelming and other political parties needed time to "fully develop" and "define their programs" before becoming viable.
Well, it's been 48 years that Castro has patiently waited for the evolution of other political parties. But the opposition has failed to do its part by not becoming viable despite much encouragement from him (you know, the blood of martyrs fertilizes the seeds of freedom).
Can anyone blame him, then, for his unitary-party elections or the fact that he will run yet again unopposed for the People's Assembly of Popular Power (or whatever it's called)?
Too bad for Chávez that Venezuela's political parties are so damnably viable. He's going to have to find some way to "pacify them" and it's not going to be at all democratic.
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3 comments:
Ah, the New York Times....
The paper of fair candidates such as the Clintons, the Castros, John Kerry and Al Gore.
The Red Whore of Time Square has such a great stable of political candidates.... they even have campaigned a bit for Chavez -with the same success they harvested for Messieurs Kerry et Gore.
Fair? when has castro ever been fair? and we the people swallowed it, hook line and sinker.
Of course, one mustn't forget the other interesting quote attributed to the bearded one back in '59.
During Edward R. Murrow's first interview with fifo, seated while clad in pajamas, in his Havana Hilton penthouse, the infamous barbudo told good ol' Ed that he'd shave his beard when his promise of liberty and democracy for the Cuban people was fulfilled.
48-years and counting. I see no need to make a last-minute stop at Duane Reade for a disposable Bic.
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