The points of controversy

FOR

The “Red Points” or “tricolor points” are part of the electoral mobilization machinery of Chavismo in Venezuela. These exclusive public centers are used to register pro-government voters during elections.

These consist of kiosks or centres installed near the voting centres. Their objective is to register voters who have received social assistance from the government, identifying them through the “fatherland card” with a QR1 code.

Centers of controversy

The opposition has denounced that the Red Points violate the Organic Law of Electoral Processes, since they are used to promote candidates and parties even after the electoral campaign period.

During the 2018 presidential elections, it was agreed to ban Red Spots within a 200-meter “security perimeter” around polling stations, but their violation was observed in some cases.

Impact on the Elections

Red Points have been criticized for their potential for coercion and social blackmail, since they are installed close to voting centers.

Despite the changes in colour (in the 2019 elections some were blue and it has been said that by Sunday 28 July 2024 they will be “tricolour”), they remain an integral part of the ruling party’s electoral strategy.

Some critics argue that these red dots undermine the neutrality of the electoral process by putting pressure on voters and hindering the participation of the opposition. Griselda Colina, a member of the Observatory of Communication and Democracy, regarding the installation of spaces or awnings of political parties near electoral centers, told us that the law is clear regarding the prohibition of propaganda outside the campaign period (Art 75 and 76 LOPRE). “The well-known red dots or tricolor dots of any party and that includes the ruling party, cannot do propaganda, proselytism and much less actions that exert pressure or coercion on the voter,” said Colina.

But rank-and-file members of the PSUV believe that they are a legitimate way to encourage citizen participation.

#EnVideo📹 General Coordinator of the Venezuela Nuestra Campaign Command, @jorgerpsuv: Tricolour Points are accepted in national legislation as well as in the Barbados agreement, as long as they are not inside the voting centre and are at a distance of 20… pic.twitter.com/B3mfl4BWPQ

— Alfred Nazareth (@luchaalmada) July 1, 2024

The exact influence of red dots on voter turnout is a matter of debate and can vary depending on different factors in each election.

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What the standard says

During the celebration of the electoral event, gatherings or meetings will not be permitted within a perimeter of two hundred meters (200 m) around the voting centers throughout the country, nor the installation of structures of any nature for the holding of concentrations within said perimeter.