Venezuela rings in its official presidential election campaign this Sunday. President Hugo Chávez and Henrique Capriles, the candidate of the united opposition, have both registered as candidates. The coming months could prove to be Chávez’s toughest yet. They could also put the country on edge as uncertainties over his health lay bare its fragility and ill-preparedness for a potential transition.
Under normal circumstances, Chávez would not have much to fear. He still enjoys the support of many Venezuelans who perceive that their lives have improved under his Bolivarian revolution. With strong emotional ties to his core constituency, the president has successfully distanced himself from governance problems — such as exorbitant crime rates — even as popular support for his administration weakens. He also commands loyal institutions, controls the state media and openly uses the public purse for his campaign.
But these polls are different. Like Chávez, Capriles has never lost an election. For once, the opposition has united behind him. Although most polls still give the president a two-digit lead, the number of still undecided voters is relatively high — Capriles’s moderation might well resonate with them. More important, however, the president must compete against not only Capriles, but also cancer. The severity of his illness remains unknown, and the lack of reliable information has fueled uncertainty and speculation.
Read more: Election, Chávez’s illness put Venezuela on edge - Other Views - MiamiHerald.com
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