2012-12-16 17:48:01

Venezuela: nationwide elections underway


(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: RealAudioMP3








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