A call for a clear date
The international movement Mundo ConVzia held a street action in Funchal's Praça do Povo on the afternoon of 17 October. It called for presidential elections in Venezuela.
The process has moved slowly since Nicolás Maduro was detained in January. In mid-October, there is still no date for the vote.
Ana Cristina Monteiro, the movement's spokesperson in Madeira, said a date is essential for legitimacy. She called the country's social and economic reorganisation positive, but said it needs democratic backing.
"What we want is for them to give us a date for the presidential elections, so that the country can get back on course."
Ana Cristina Monteiro, Madeira spokesperson for Mundo ConVzia
She said she does not know why there is no election calendar yet. In her view, a date would show the Venezuelan authorities are committed to change.
Political prisoners and voters abroad
The community also wants the release of political prisoners. According to Monteiro, there are almost 400 in the country, including two people of Portuguese descent.
She does not expect elections this year. She said the calendar should be announced for next year, ideally in the first half, with a vote in July or August.
The vote also needs preparation, she said, starting with updated electoral rolls. More than seven million Venezuelans live abroad, and they must be able to vote too.
Source: jm-madeira.pt
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