Hugo Chávez

So it might be four months old, but personally i feel it is important to read as much "centered" news about Hugo Chávez as possible.

In These Times, December 26, 2008
Chávez Wins Again
Venezuelans continue to support socialist leader despite corruption fears
By Steve Ellner

CARACAS, Venezuela — The results of the Nov. 23 state-municipal elections dashed the opposition’s hopes that Venezuela has become fed up with President Hugo Chávez. Chávez’s United Socialist Party (PSUV) took 17 of the nation’s 22 governorships, 80 percent of the mayoral posts and all but three state legislatures. The achievement of an absolute majority of the popular vote by the Chavistas — or Chávez supporters — after 10 years in power is impressive. It shows that the president has found the formula for maintaining high levels of popularity over an extended period of time.

In another plus for the Chavistas, voter turnout surpassed 65 percent — 20 percentage points higher than the last state-municipal election in 2004. Such participation helps debunk the claim that Chávez is installing an authoritarian regime.

read More