Countdown to 2012 Elections: Venezuela Solidarity Campaign AGM

Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has announced that the Presidential election in Venezuela will take place on October 7 2012. This outcome of this election will determine whether social progress in the country continues. VSC’s AGM on Saturday October 8 2011 will therefore see the launch of our campaigning to ensure that there is no foreign interference in the elections and that the Venezuelan people are allowed to determine their own affairs. A registration form is attached and you can register online here
The Presidential election takes place against the backdrop of increased foreign funding of the Opposition, a strengthened Opposition which has grown against the backdrop of global economic recession and where leading members of the Republican Right (and their allies in Venezuela) have made it clear that they will be hoping to exploit the ill health of President Chavez.
As we approach the election, we can expect an unprecedented level of disinformation in order to undermine support and create the pretext for any intervention. All of these factors make international solidarity more important than ever. The next year will therefore need and see a major stepping up of solidarity activity and your involvement in the AGM is vital to developing this work. 

The AGM is kindly hosted by SERTUC and takes place on 8 October, at 10.30am (registration 9.45am) at Congress House, Great Russell Street, London, WC1. Speakers include Venezuelan Ambassador Samuel Moncada, writer Richard Gott, Colin Burgon of Labour Friends of Venezuela and Guisell Morales-Encheverry from Nicaragua. A registration form is attached and you can register online here .

If you are not a member of VSC, you can still register as an observer. We hope to see you there!

Best wishes,

Matt Willgress, Co-ordinator, Venezuela Solidarity Campaign