The Ayes Have It

Marcos Perez Jimenez of Venezuela long refused to believe the overwhelming evidence that he is among the world's least popular Presidents. He even held a dangerously free election in 1952 and .had to stage a secret, red-faced recount when returns ran ten to one against him. But the lesson finally sank in. Last week--with the only possible opposition candidate safely tucked away in jail--Perez Jimenez brazenly turned the scheduled Dec. 15 presidential election into a me-or-nothing plebiscite, a forced vote of confidence in the "New National Ideal," its leader and his rubber-stamp Congress.

Voters will draw two cards of different colors or shapes. Supporters of Perez Jimenez will drop the affirmative card into the ballot box and leave the booth conspicuously exhibiting the negative card. Leaving the booth without this card in hand will take more nerve than the average citizen is likely to show. It was clear that the ayes would have it, thereby electing Perez Jimenez and his Congress for another five-year term. But just to make sure, the President banned all political meetings, leaflets, emblems, posters, buttons, loudspeakers or speeches.

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