This document presents the most relevant facts regarding the evolution of Democracy in Venezuela during the Presidency of Hugo Chávez Frías, which began in January 1999.

The facts are organized according to the items that define a Democracy:

Is the Legislative Branch Controlled by the Executive? Is the Judicial branch controlled by the Executive? Is the National Electoral Council controlled by the Executive? Is the new Citizens' Power (the Public Prosecutor, the Office of the Comptroller and the Peoples' Advocate) controlled by the Executive?

Are the Supreme Court Justices biased in the discharge of their Duties? Is the Independence of the Judicial Career respected? Do Venezuelan Courts respect Constitutional Law principles? Is the Supreme Court at the service of the Administration?

Is the National Electoral Council (CNE) an Impartial Body? Does the CNE Address The Interests of Civil Society or those of the Government? Does the National Electoral Council Act In Conformity to the law? Is voting by way of electronic machines reliable? Does the Permanent Electoral Register (REP) contain true and precise information?

Are the media really independent? Does the Penal Code limit freedom of expression? Are journalists persecuted, threatened or harassed because of the way they cover the news?

Have the human rights of the April 2002 victims been respected and have those responsible been indicted? Does discrimination on political grounds exist in Venezuela? Is freedom of thought in education respected? Is venezuelan citizen's private life respected? Are human rights violated in Venezuela ? Are those active in the defense of democracy in Venezuela persecuted and imprisoned? Are there political prisoners in Venezuela ? Are people persecuted for political reasons?

Is the Executive ruling under a military style? Is the political parties system declining in Venezuela? Are traditional trade-union organizations being respected? Is the civil society allowed to exercise the functions conferred by the Constitution?

To access additional information just click on the issue of your interest and follow the instructions. In some cases, you will be linked to laws, resolutions, press articles, videos or other relevant documents.

To access information on Venezuela's Statistics and Data just click on this link.