USB Unions Denounce Electoral Rule Violations by Interim Authorities

Tensions are escalating within the Universidad Simón Bolívar (USB) as various employee unions, including the Association of Professors (Apusb), voice strong objections to the current electoral process. They allege that the interim authorities and the directive council are engaging in authoritarian practices to manipulate the upcoming elections for the University Electoral Commission.

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the clear intention to control the university's Electoral Commission by the Directive Council and, therefore, by the interim authorities.

According to Omar Pérez Avendaño, president of Apusb, there is a "clear intention to control the university's Electoral Commission by the Directive Council and, therefore, by the interim authorities." This, he argues, is a further display of abuse and authoritarianism, particularly concerning changes made to electoral regulations without consulting the broader university community. The unions are particularly critical of the directive council allegedly assuming functions that rightfully belong to the Electoral Commission, such as calling elections and swearing in winners.

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a commission of three professors interventors of the Electoral Commission.

William Anseume, secretary of labor conditions at Apusb, condemned the formation of a special commission appointed by the directive council to oversee electoral procedures. He described the situation as "increasingly outrageous" and "unbearable," demanding an immediate halt to these practices. The joint statement from Apusb, the Association of Alumni (Aeusb), the Federation of Student Centers, and the workers' representation (Unión-USB) further solidifies these concerns, pointing out that the current process deviates from the university's General Regulations and that the recently approved electoral regulations contain contradictions.

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increasingly outrageous and unbearable.

While the unions are participating in the election for the new Electoral Commission "under protest," they are adamant about their demands. They insist on the establishment of a transitional electoral regulation that ensures the participation of all five sectors of the university community and upholds previously agreed-upon institutional consultation accords. This stance underscores a deep-seated concern for the autonomy of the electoral body and the broader principles of democratic governance within USB, a stark contrast to how such internal university matters might be perceived or handled elsewhere.

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under protest.