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Description
When Hugo Chavez Frias was elected president in 1998 to a six-year term, few foresaw how he would attempt to change Venezuela. His support came mainly from the poor. After all, the oil rich OPEC member had secured millions of dollars that historically did not benefit the disaffected, whose daily lives continued to lack opportunities to build private wealth or access to any social or public services. This election was a welcome alternative. The two traditional main political parties would have offered the status quo, an uninviting thought for a sizeable population that clearly was without representation. Through a national referendum, Venezuelans approved constitutional changes which included that the president can be reelected to a single consecutive term. This referendum became effective in December of 1999. Through a series of events, mostly cleverly manipulated by Mr. Chavez, he was reelected again in 2000. A period of instability ensued, eventually leading to a recall referendum in 2004, which Mr. Chavez easily survived. He gained strength when many pro-Chavez followers were voted into state and municipal offices throughout the country.
As per the newest constitutional changes, elections were held on December 3, 2006. Mr. Chavez won by a plurality of 63%, which he and his followers interpreted to be a mandate by the people for him to lead by decree. That same day, he declared that his election signaled the end of the transitional period of his leadership and that the "new Bolivarian socialist revolutionary era" had started. Shortly after the inauguration ceremonies in early January 2007, Mr. Chavez asked for and was given the power to preside at will; this became known as the "enabling law." He was able to do this by reshuffling his cabinet and having the National Assembly (ANC) made up solely of members of his party. With his popularity still strong, Chevez's opposition party became unable to exercise any influence and animosity towards the wealthy had arrived at new heights. A large percentage of citizens who are well educated, well trained in a number of key industries, and wealthy migrated to the United States, thus creating a significant brain drain. Chavez and his supporters do not seem concerned or mind the exodus. In fact, he feels more empowered than ever. His anti-American rhetoric continues to reach a very high pitch. Chavez has embraced the country's hero and liberator, Simon Bolivar and his... |
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