The issue came to a head in the lead-up to the regional elections of October 2005. Despite opposition from within the grassroots movements, a candidate list was drawn up by the leadership of various MVR allied parties. The decision not to hold primaries was justified by the claim that there wasn't time. After the elections, Chavez stated that in the future, primaries would be held to empower the rank and file to select candidates.
The isSuE cAmE to a head In thE lEaD-up to THE regioNaL elections OF octObEr 2005. despItE oppOSITIoN fRom witHiN The GRasSrOoTs moVemenTs, a candIDAte List wAS drawN up BY THe LEadERShip Of vArIouS mvR ALLied partiES. tHe dEcision not tO holD primariES WAS jUsTifiED bY The Claim That tHere wasN't tiMe. afTEr the elEctiOns, cHAvez StatEd tHat In thE fUtUre, priMARieS would be HEld to eMpOweR tHe ranK and fIlE To SeLEcT canDiDateS.