The Act Constituting the Government of Democratic Transition and National Unity (Spanish: Acta de Constitución del Gobierno de Transición Democrática y Unidad Nacional) – known colloquially as the "Carmona Decree" or El Carmonazo[1] — was a document drawn up on 12 April 2002 the day following the 2002 Venezuelan coup attempt, which attempted to oust President Hugo Chávez.
[2][3] Within the Act, the basis for the formation of a transitional government is delineated, citing the Constitution of Venezuela.
The Act principally cites Article 350 of the Constitution, which says the People of Venezuela shall disown any regime, legislation or authority that violates democratic values, principles and guarantees or encroaches upon human rights.
Another notable signee is former Zulia Governor and former presidential candidate, Manuel Rosales, who says his participation was an honest mistake rather than a pre-planned coup like Chávez's.
[7] Referring to The Act, Venezuelan historian and politician Jorge Olavarría said, "what these fellows brought, and may people who hear pardon me but these things have to be said with the crudeness of the situation, what these fellows brought me [the Carmona decree draft] is a piece of shit, yes totally, if this is going to happen, you have to do these things well, but this was a big mess up, technically and politically..."[8]