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| Broke free but still can't win |
| By Reuters |
| Published: 11/10/2008 |
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CARACAS - A popular opposition politician accused of corruption who escaped from jail last year and fled to Peru cannot run for re-election as governor of the Venezuelan state of Yaracuy, the country's top court ruled. The decision opens the way for an ally of President Hugo Chavez to win a tightly contested election for governor of the small farming state. Venezuela's Supreme Court said former governor Eduardo Lapi, who apparently escaped from jail through an air conditioning duct, was not eligible to stand again in elections later this month. "Eduardo Lapi escaped from San Felipe prison to avoid justice, excluding himself from his political rights," the court said in its ruling. After nearly 10 years in office, Chavez's allies are expected to lose several key states and cities in nationwide elections for governors and mayors. Earlier in the year the government's anti-corruption office ruled that a handful of leading opposition candidates and several less important government allies could not take part in the elections. Lapi had not been brought to trial before his breakout and claims he was a political prisoner. He was granted asylum in Peru after his escape and supporters managed to register him as a candidate for governor earlier this year. Lapi vowed to continue his election bid despite the ruling. "I want Hugo Chavez to know -- they will have to shoot me in the head to stop me fighting |
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