Reply #39: It absolutely is [View All]

There is a term in comparative politics called illiberal regimes or "elected dictator" .Countries that fit this have institutions like parliaments sand election to have the appearance of legitimacy but the government does not operate in a democratic fashion. Reporters with out borders rates Venezuela near the bottom for press freedom.

Chavez before the election had de facto degree power given the members of the national assembly were all his allies. This election the opposition made gains enough gains to stop Chavez's allies from giving him more power. So before the New Assembly starts where the opposition would be able to exert the influence that they legitimately earned, Chavez asks for degree powers to by pass it.

A person who is committed to democracy does not ask for degree powers and excepts the results of elections when the loose cretin amount of power.