On February 4, 2025, Venezuelans participated in the third “National Popular Consultation” where voters selected community-driven projects to receive state funding. Managed by the National Electoral Council, citizens evaluated over 36,600 proposals, reflecting grassroots engagement and self-governance. The consultation aims to empower local communities by addressing essential services such as water, housing, and healthcare.
On February 4, 2025, Venezuelans participated in their third “National Popular Consultation” aimed at voting for self-managed community projects to receive state funding. This initiative, launched by Nicolás Maduro in 2024, allows citizens to propose and select up to seven local projects during community assemblies. The voting took place across 5,334 communal circuits, facilitating the selection of one winning project per circuit, a reflection of grassroots electoral engagement.
In total, voters evaluated over 36,600 community-driven project proposals. Each approved project will receive around USD 10,000 in government funding, with grassroots organizations tasked with their execution. The projects included significant areas of community focus such as water systems, housing, and healthcare.
The Venezuela National Electoral Council (CNE) managed the election, consolidating voting locations from over 15,000 to about 5,245 to improve efficiency. Voting extended hours due to high turnout, which included all citizens aged 15 and up. The process is intended to empower local communities through democratic participation and resource management.
In the El Panal Commune, community members had six project options and expressed satisfaction with voter turnout. The local leader, Orly Ortiz, linked this participation to the legacy of former President Hugo Chávez, emphasizing unity and community strength.
Commune Minister Ángel Prado remarked on the high turnout and noted that resource management is fundamentally embedded within the culture of Venezuelan communes. He asserted that funds would also support second and third-place projects, signifying additional grassroots investment.
President Nicolás Maduro praised the successful consultation and called for the establishment of 6,000 communes within two years, emphasizing the importance of self-governance and direct communication with local governments.
The “National Popular Consultation” is a grassroots initiative started by the Venezuelan government to foster direct democracy and community participation in managing public resources and projects. It serves to address local needs and enhances citizen engagement in governance. This consultation is part of a broader infrastructure aimed at reinforcing socialist principles and empowering local democracies within Venezuela.
Venezuelans have actively engaged in a significant electoral process through the “National Popular Consultation,” reinforcing their role in community development. With substantial participation in selecting projects that address urgent needs, this initiative reflects a commitment to decentralized governance and citizen empowerment. The successful voting mechanism exemplifies the government’s strategy to enhance popular power and self-management capabilities among communities.
Original Source: venezuelanalysis.com
