New party makes gains in Venezuela

Chavez told the assembly that the new party is crucial to the long-term survival of Venezuela’s socialism of the 21st century. “Human beings are transitory,” he said. “The party must be eternal, the most powerful revolutionary motor.”

Chavez related Cuban President Fidel Castro’s observation that the Venezuelan “revolution would be carried away in the wind” should Chavez disappear. By contrast, Castro said, the Cuban revolution will continue after he is gone.

“I realize that unfortunately he is right,” said Chavez. “We don’t have a party, a big political machine, a big political direction.”

The party promoters took on responsibilities in ceremonies presided over by Chavez. The next party building stage has them preparing for a founding party congress set for August. After 9,000 more trained promoters are sworn in, a force of 25,000 will organize 20,000 local assemblies throughout the nation. The 300-member assemblies will convene from July 21 on to discuss the new party’s political program and to elect a “battalion spokesperson” to attend the founding congress.