ID :
282040
Sat, 04/20/2013 - 08:43
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/282040
The shortlink copeid
Maduro faces a tough task in post-Chavez Venezuela
TEHRAN,April 20(MNA)--Before the rise of Hugo Chavez in 1999, Venezuela was ruled by pro-Western presidents who mostly favored capitalistic policies. However, Chavez started a series of revolutionary changes in the economy which he later called socialism of the 21st century. The main objective behind the new policies was to create a fair social and economic system in which all citizens, especially the poor, could have a better share of Venezuela’s oil wealth.
From the very beginning of his economic reform, capitalists and owners of big enterprises started to resist Chavez’s policies. This led him to gradually nationalize major industries, including the oil and steel industries, and reengineer the distribution of income in the society. Chavez imposed currency controls a decade ago, trying to stem capital flight and his government expropriated large land parcels and dozens of more businesses. As a result of his policies millions of Venezuelans were lifted out of poverty. During this time, the private sector continued to impede reforms by reducing the import of basic goods and raising the price of commodities in the market.
Chavez's successor, Nicolas Maduro, has officially won Venezuela's presidential election by a narrow margin. His rival Henrique Capriles has demanded a recount, though election officials are strongly against it. Venezuela's electronic voting system is completely digital and there is almost no chance of fraud or rigging. But a paper receipt is also generated for each vote, making a vote-by-vote recount possible.
Over the past few days, followers of the defeated presidential candidate have taken to the streets vowing to continue protests to realize their objectives. The continued violence would create many problems for a country already shaken by the death of its leader. However, this seems very unlikely to change the election results and Maduro will be decisively endorsed as Venezuela’s next president.
Maduro has promised to carry on Chavez’s legacy, but the narrow win has made him extremely vulnerable. In fact, he should prove himself as a competent successor to Chavez, otherwise he would face huge difficulties to lead the revolution forward.
Hadi Amerian is a senior expert on Latin America at Iran’s foreign ministry.
(By Hadi Amerian)