DISCERNIMIENTO DE LA DEMOCRACIA VENEZOLANA

Resumen

-- This paper on the discernment of Venezuelan democracy shows both positive and negative elements that have happened on the Venezuelan democratic process from 1958 to 1998. ltfollows the thread of the most important events of the socalled democratic period although it is not, strictly speaking, a paper on history. Essentially it revolves around democracy that is born inspired by the "spirit
of January 23rd", the historical novelty that it represented, the importance of poli tic al parties, the oil exploration and the destination of its income. lt draws attention to the positive way that this novelty was taken by large majorities, in particular the emergence of the poor as subjects of culture, while states at the same time the institutional weakness to consolidate it. Finally, the citizen participation, the civil society and the state are presented as the specific challenges to be undertaken to consolidate democracy in Venezuela.