The Student Movement in Venezuela

When President Hugo Chavez attempted to legitimize his authoritarian rule by amending Venezuela’s Constitution in December 2007, a non-partisan student movement rose up to defeat it. Inspired by the nonviolent philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the movement had mobilized earlier that year, holding peaceful demonstrations across the country to protest the government’s closing of the country’s oldest and most popular media outlet.

The student reaction to the TV closing and referendum to amend the Constitution was motivated not by political ideology or partisan politics, but by the notion that “in a democracy all sides should be welcome.” Despite government provocation and calls for physical attacks on students, the movement continues to focus on the peaceful promotion of democracy by training observers to monitor elections and encouraging young people to register to vote.

Additional Information:

• April 19, 2010
  Roberto Patino: Democracy Movements Can Be Fun
  The Jakarta Post
• April 14, 2010
  Assembly recognises Venezuela's 'energetic, inspirational' youth movement
  Assembly Blog