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Show A22 TheSalt Lake Tribune WORLD Sunday, May 28, 2000 Two Latin American Strongmen, TwoDecisions on Controversial Elections BYSTEVEN GUTKIN last year that requires public powers to be “re-legitimized” through THE ASSOCIATEDPRESS newballoting. It is hard to know why Fujimori would seek to proceed with today’'s vote despite the costs, which in- CARACAS,Venezuela — Venezuela’s presidential election is off, for now. Peru's is going ahead. Both Alberto Fujimori cluded violent protests on Thursday and a warning from President and Hugo Chavez stand to gain from those decisions: The Peruvian leader might get a third five-year term in uncontested elections and Venezuela's president can avoid Clinton on Friday. “Free, fair and open elections are the foundation of a democratic society,” Clinton said. “Without them, our relationship with Peru inevitably will be affected.” Fujimori, who has been in powerfor 10 years,is loathe to cave the perception of flawed balloting at a time whenhe is soaringin the polls. Still, there is a down side: Run- dé A Martin ee Associated Press chance to close the gapin polls. Both Chavez and Fujimori — who manyview as embodiments of strongman rule — are testing the boundaries of democracy in Latin America. Inan Andeanregion plagued by recession, military rumblings, high crime and political uncer- tainty, millions of poor people have placed their hopesfor a betterlife in the populist presidents of Venezuela and Peru, both of whom rely heavilyon the military and neither of whom have shown any great University students protest against President Alberto Fujimori and today's presidential runoff election in Lima, Peru, on Saturday. Doubts are being raised aboutthefairness of Peru'selection process. Thesign But, Venezuela’s highestcourt sus- pended the vote Thursday because of technical glitches in the votetallying system. Peru, however,is Inhabitantsof the slumsof Caracas and Lima — who have seen proceeding with the vote despite fraud allegations, technical problems and the threat of international isolation and violent demonstrations. Fujimori’s challenger, their standard of living plummet often prefer bold action and tough leadership to democratic niceties. And Fujimori and Chavez, despite their failures, boycotting the race to protest the election board's decision to hold the vote this weekend. International observers said fondness for the democratic balance ofpower. economist Alejandro Toledo, is Venezuela's decision augured much better for democracy than Peru's — since it should allow officials to fix the computerglitches. With HEARING AIDS” SINCE 1946 Caring about you and yourhearing for over 50 years. 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Although the postponement uncovered what appears to be astonishing incompetence among electoral authorities, Venezuelan officials are hailing it as a triumph for democracy. “Theinstitutions are working,” Attorney General Javier Elechiguerra said Friday. “We shouldall celebratethis.” 50 lbs Sugarhouse 485-1441 showing Summer...noes Digital -Programmable 1441 E. 2100 So. Midvale 7048 So. State polls Despite spectacular success in taming inflation - and fighting rebels, Fujimori has repeatedly assaulted democratic institutions, including the 1992 temporary closure of both Congress and the Supreme Court. The verdict is still out on Chavez 15-20 points ahead of his nearest challenger, former Zulia DON’T BUY A HEARINGAID UNTIL YOU SEE THE HEARING INSTRUMENTEXPERTSAT ield's most race. Store atright translates: “Behindall great dictators is a great assassin.” deliver both. Peru and Venezuela were both supposed to hold elections today. cially the military hierarchy. He also knows more time could mean more support for Toledo in the Country, ning without a challenger casts a pall on Fujimori’s legitimacy and Chavez’s challenger now gets a in to international pressure, possibly for fear of alienating hardliners in his government, espe- ig) 5 Security CPi) UG Le ed insurance Few Security Rank is Member PKC. 1 fob nat itn tet Pe ae fe Onien o hoemy, feg. 23° twit sku#1951 Tomato Baskets sku#4653 Comesee us soon! FARM SUPPLY & PET FOOD CENTERS yer SALTLAKECITY RIVERTON DRAPER LAYTON = 1147 W, 210080, 1860, 12500 So, 1071 E.12400 So, 625 2000 No 972-3009 254-3501 571-0125 771-4988 |
