Chavez on top ahead of election

[Judi Lynn]

Chavez on top ahead of election
Washington, October 7, 2012

Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez (58), Latin America’s longest serving elected President, is likely to be re-elected for a fourth term on Sunday, as polls placed him comfortably ahead of challenger and “moderate leftist” Henrique Capriles (40), a former State Governor.

If Mr. Chavez wins, he will be in power until 2019, marking 20 continuous years at the helm in Caracas.

Mr. Chavez — who has fought a year-long battle with cancer, survived assassination attempts, coups and electoral challenges — remains one of the hemisphere’s most outspoken voices against American regional hegemony, though his stance has been softer against U.S. President Barack Obama than against his predecessor, George W. Bush.

The outcome of the elections this weekend may have a significant impact on regional political and economic trends as Venezuela is the second-largest oil producer in the world, and is well on track to ousting Saudi Arabia as the largest producer according to studies on the untapped potential of oil blocks in the Orinoco Belt.

More:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/chavez-on-top-ahead-of-election/article3972541.ece

[Judi Lynn]

1. Expect Bolivarian Victory in Venezuela

October 7, 2012 at 02:29:18
Expect Bolivarian Victory in Venezuela
By Stephen Lendman

October 7 is the moment of truth. Venezuelans get to choose between populism and neoliberal harshness.

They're not stupid. They won't tolerate reinventing the bad old days. Expect Bolivarianism to triumph. Too bad it can't everywhere when it's most needed.

James Petras is a longtime distinguished Latin American expert. His article titled "Venezuelan Elections: a Choice and Not an Echo" expertly explains what's at stake.

Hugo Chavez and corporatist Henrique Capriles Radonski are mirror opposites. At issue is social democracy v. the worst of exploitive capitalism.

More:
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Expect-Bolivarian-Victory-by-Stephen-Lendman-121007-646.html

[dipsydoodle]

2. In case any casual readers here

wonder about election related polls - Venezuelan election law prohibits publication of polls for a week before voting.

It would be sad day for the general Venezuelan population if he didn't win.

Onward to victory.

[joshcryer]

3. Then today will be a sad day.

(PS, I think the opposite.)

[dipsydoodle]

4. I appreciate your point of view

albeit our views differ. I feel that the main beneficiaries under Chavez have been the poor who unless I'm mistaken represent a substantial proportion of the population. He is also the person most likely to prevent US interference there.

[joshcryer]

5. Fair enough.

And I feel for you in the event the outcome is not to your liking.

(Terrified that it is not to what I wish!)