Carmona Decree - Clauses

Clauses

Within the Act, the basis for the formation of a transitional government is delineated, citing the Constitution of Venezuela. The Act principally cites Article 350 of the Constitution, which says the People of Venezuela shall disown any regime, legislation or authority that violates democratic values, principles and guarantees or encroaches upon human rights. It also alleges violations by the Chávez administration of Articles 43, 57, 58, 68, 136, 141, 145, 204, 211, 254, 270, 273, 279, 294, 295 and 328 of the Constitution, and it references the Democratic Charter of the Organization of American States and Chávez's supposed resignation the day before.

Remembering the date of 11 April 2002 "with profound indignation and national mourning," it accuses the government of Chávez of:

• Attacking, repressing, and assassinating innocent peaceful demonstrators.
• Compromising democratic principles, particularly representative democracy.
• Human and property rights violations.
• Flagrant violation of separation and independence of powers.
• Corruption.
• Misuse of the armed forces.
• Promoting a climate of social violence.
• Unacceptable isolationist foreign policy, aiding Colombian guerrillas.
• Eliminating autonomy of the electoral process.
• Enacting an enabling act without consulting the electorate.
• Promoting violence via its Bolivarian Circles.
• Disrespecting institutions necessary for peaceful democratic coexistence.