Publication

This paper discusses the approval of Chávez plans to lift the ban on the indefinite re-election of elected officials that paves his way to run for office in 2012. The triumph of the 'yes' vote is evidence of the huge support which Chávez's leadership continues to command. But according to the author, it also shows the extreme dependence of the ruling party on the use and misuse of State resources in badly degraded electoral processes. The victory strengthens the president and his socialist project. However, he still has to overcome the challenge of a reduction in oil revenues, tax restrictions and socio-economic decline.