PetroleumWorld.com: Hugo Chavez is heading towards total defeat
In an Op-Ed commentary PetroleumWorld.com editor Elio Ohep writes: To the dismay of supporters, leading populists, former comunist and other reacionary groups in Venezuela, and to the 
surprise of international observers invited by the government to watch the referendum to decide on President Hugo Chávez fate. Chavez is about to suffer a total and a stunning defeat on August 15, in a referendum designed to test the popularity of the defeated 1992 coup d'etat leader and 1997 elected president.
First elected in 1997 the former coup d'etat lider, with a revolutionary rhetoric and a modern social-democratic programme, became the leader of a group of corrupted former comunists activists, emerging in an opposition to the United States with its now close allied Fidel Castro.
While Chávez has lost his popularity after nearly six years as president, Latin American leaders, such as Vicente Fox in Mexico, and Lula in Brazil are worried about Venezuela's situation. Other neighbours perceived Chavez as a bit of an lunatic and dangerous, he has become the man to watch and keep him in check. The news that Chávez will get booted out this Sunday will be well received in the Americas.
Tens of thousands of government supporters turned out last weekend
Chávez came to power after the traditional political system in Venezuela had became corrupted and in need of a change during the late 1990s. But insted of working for the people, Chavez worked to himself and his cronies, in the name of a so called Bolivarian revolution. Chávez, has no support left after betraying his original followers, the mayority of the Venezuelans. Chavez extremism, sectarianism and authoritarianism are plain for all to see.
At last, on August 15. Venezuelans will either vote "Yes" to get rid of Chávez from the presidency or vote "No" to have him stay as president, until the next presidential election in 2006. The opposition, is strong and counting on a stuning victory. Chavez followers are now in disray.
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President Hugo Chavez Frias
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Faced with a Chávez defeat, his suporters may yet turn in desperation to violence. With fictional plots of Chavez´ assassination, hinted at recently Chavez's vice president, or the deployment of paramilitary forces hire by the opposition, is always a possibility. However, the opposition is set to win the referendum and organised a proper electoral campaing after Chavez, electing a new president, within 30 days from Sunday.
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VHeadline.com editor notes:
Elio, President Hugo Chavez Frias was first elected by a majority of the Venezuelan people in December 1998 and ascended to the Presidency in February 1999 ... NOT 1997. Readers please note that we have reproduced PetroleumWorld's exact text, including multiple errors, rather than face accusations of censorship of divergent views of the current Venezuelan reality |
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