Is the CNE back where it belongs?

Katy says: One of the refreshing features of this electoral campaign has been that Venezuela’s electoral authority (the CNE) has not been the center of discussion. Electoral conditions...

Katy says: One of the refreshing features of this electoral campaign has been that Venezuela’s electoral authority (the CNE) has not been the center of discussion. Electoral conditions are undoubtedly improved from last December’s elections; the infamous Jorge Rodríguez is no longer in the spotlight he so relished; and the opposition seems better organized to tackle with any eventualities that may occur.

Conditions are not ideal and problems persist (see that other blog for a sample), but is it enough to claim that this election is completely unfair? It’s unfair alright, but is it totally, over-the-top, Mugabe-like, Carrasquerically unfair?

Suppose Chávez wins in December and Manuel Rosales claims there was fraud. Will you believe him? There is one month left and nobody (not even Súmate) is making much noise about how adverse the conditions are this time around. Are we headed for a (gasp) somewhat fair electoral process?