The threat to constitutionalism and democracy by an incumbent government: The case of Venezuela.

Abstract

Constitutionalism and democracy is under attack by sitting governments. The study is an analysis of how incumbent governments threaten the whole concept of constitutional democracy. The study also pays attention to the role that international relations play in mitigating this phenomenon. Unconstitutional change of government, constitution fabrication, abuse and disregard of the rule of law, separation of powers and a whole gamut of other unconstitutional and undemocratic practices characterise the trend of governance in most states today. The rise of pseudo democracies that can alternatively apply both democratic and authoritarian practices has resulted in the submerging of constitutional and democratic rupture. The ability to subvert constitutional democracy by incumbent governments has made it difficult to resolve the issue. Focus is now on how international relations as a paradigm that seem to have the greatest influence on state action can best protect and maintain the spirit of constitutionalism and democracy. The constitutional and democratic narrative of Venezuela is used to provide a classical point of reference of how incumbent governments threaten constitutional democracy and how the international community has responded.