Latin America
Related: About this forumVenezuela analysts cast doubt on presidential election
Is the Venezuelan government laying the groundwork to delay or even suspend the Oct. 7 presidential elections due to President Hugo Chávezs failing health? Thats what some analysts suspect as they evaluate recent structural changes within the administration and statements by Chávez allies.
Will we or wont we have elections? asked María Teresa Romero, a political science professor from Caracas Central University, on Friday. In this political climate anything can happen.
Despite being in power for 12 years, Chávez is leading most polls as he heads into a tight race to win an additional six-year term. But hes spent most of this year in Cuba receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. While the charismatic leader has vowed to return to Venezuela soon and knockout his presidential rival Henrique Capriles, doubts still linger about his health.
Speaking at the 7th Annual Latin America Conference hosted by the University of Miamis Center for Hemispheric Policy, Romero said there are worrying indications that the administration believes the election may be in doubt.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/11/2795400/venezuela-analysts-cast-doubt.html#storylink=cpy
MADem
(135,425 posts)I wonder what the oddsmakers are taking?
Where there's smoke....
But its obvious the idea has currency in some official circles, said Romero, whos an adviser to the opposition.
He couldnt take back what he said, she said.
Also fueling the election doubts, Chávez recently staffed the Council of State. Led by Vice President Elias Jaua and comprised of military, government and civilian allies, the government insists the body is merely an executive advisory board. The body was created in the 1999 constitution, but the administrations decision to activate it now after Chávez returned to Cuba for the sixth time this year for cancer treatment has generated suspicions. Chávez critics see it as something akin to a junta that might step in to govern if president failed to make it to the elections.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/11/2795400/venezuela-analysts-cast-doubt.html#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy
joshcryer
(62,287 posts)They're salivating for a bad outcome. 6 months ago such an outcome was more likely, but as Capriles has built his campaign, such an outcome seems less and less likely. It's still plausible, mind you, but not likely. The Chavista's have no problem coopting and ignoring laws, so if Chavez dies after the deadline to register, they'll just retroactively change the law and install their candidate. If they do delay or stop the elections you can expect a serious outcry from the left opposition.