1999: The National Constituent Assembly proclaims the Bolivarian Constitution

On December 20, 1999, the Bolivarian Constitution was proclaimed through the vote of the people in a referendum. It was the first time that a Constitution of the Republic has been directly approved by the people. All previous constitutions were issued without consulting the population at all.

The Bolivarian Constitution was drafted by the National Constituent Assembly, convened by President Hugo Chávez and submitted to debates broadcast by television channels.

The Bolivarian Constitution defines the Venezuelan State as: “A democratic and social State of Law and Justice, which advocates life, freedom, justice, equality, solidarity, democracy, social responsibility and, in general, the preeminence of human rights, ethics and political pluralism.”

It establishes as essential purposes of the State the defense and development of the person and respect for their dignity, the democratic exercise of the popular will, and the construction of a just and peace-loving society. The promotion of the prosperity and well-being of the people and the guarantee of compliance with the principles, rights and duties recognized and enshrined in the Constitution.

The Bolivarian Constitution is the most edited and popularized text of all the constitutions enacted in the country. The convening of the National Constituent Assembly, the enactment of the Bolivarian Constitution and the approval referendum are considered to be a victory for the Eternal Commander Hugo Chávez, who made the convening of the Constituent Assembly the center of his electoral campaign.

Mazo News Team