1999: Venezuela declared itself a Bolivarian Republic

On November 12, 1999, the National Constituent Assembly approved the name of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

For the time being, the president of that assembly, Luis Miquelena, led the ordinary session where the constituent Eliézer Otaiza proposed: “Venezuela declares itself a Bolivarian Republic, irrevocably free and independent and bases its moral heritage, as well as the values of freedom, equality, justice and international peace on the doctrine of Simon Bolivar the Liberator.”

Otaiza, in his speech, stated that the change of name was essential for the Revolution.

“For me, this is not a nominal question; it is an essential question for the Revolution (...) Finally, I ask that a vote be taken not by roll-call, Mr President, but an essential one. Whoever feels it, please raise their hand. I don't force anyone. Raise your hand and point right at the dome of this sphere and there you will see the name of the Liberator. It is precisely the name of the Liberator who cherishes the whole country. That's why I'm asking that the name of the Republic be changed, Mr. President,” Otaiza added.

It is worth remembering that on July 25, 1999, through direct, secret and universal suffrage, the election of the members of the National Constituent Assembly took place, in which 126 members of the Patriotic Pole were elected out of 131 in total and as of August 3, the date of their installation, they began to draft the Constitution subsequently approved by the people on December 15, 1999 through an approval referendum with 71.78% of the votes.

Mazo News Team