(Vatican Radio) A branch of Venezuela's power base is being tested today with nationwide
elections for governors and legislators. The key question is whether there'll be a
sympathy vote for President Chavez allies, or if people will turn to the opposition.
Fifteen of the nation's State Governors are loyal to him. Henrique Capriles who put
up a spirited showing in October 7th's Presidential Election must retain the Governorship
of Miranda State, to maintain his position as the main opposition figure. Hugo Chavez
is out of the country, still receiving post operative treatment in Cuba, following
a fourth operation for an unspecified form of cancer. It's unlikely he's going to
have recovered sufficiently in time to be inaugurated for a new six year term on January
10th. The sticky question in these elections is whether the glue holding his political
apparatus together is strong enough to be adhesive and cohesive, without his personal
presence and his direct hands on participation, or it'll loosen due to doubts over
his precarious and deteriorating health. Listen to this report from regional
correspondent James Blears: