Post Classifieds

The Aftermath of the Chavez Inauguration

By Denise Rivera

On February 8, 2013

Pin It

Although President Hugo Chavez has won his fourth term in Venezuela, his prolonged absence has caused the public to question his health due to cancer treatments, his absence from the inauguration ceremony, and the breaking news regarding corruption and an assassination plot.

In a New York Times article, William Neuman notes that if Chavez is not sworn in, the Venezuela constitution states that a new election will occur in thirty days. On Feb. 3, the BBC stated that Venezuela officials said that Hugo Chavez's health was "improving." The BBC also evaluated the circumstances regarding Chavez's good recovery from his recent cancer surgery in Cuba. It is also observed that this is the only piece of information emphasized to the public. As a result of the surgery, Chavez did not attend the inauguration ceremony on Jan. 10.

Due to the speculation over the physical strength of the elusive Chavez, it has been evident that the views of the nation have been split apart. Vice-President NicolÃ¡s Maduro was named as the temporary leader. He has ensured the public that Chavez is following the constitutional rule, yet not everyone is supporting this.

Despite Chavez's absence, Chavistas (Chavez loyalists) celebrated his reelection, proclaiming their satisfaction as they crowded the streets. Many firmly believed that he is legally the Venezuelan leader. This festive moment did not last when an assassination attempt was uncovered and corruption charges have been presented. Recently, The Washington Post reported that Chavez' party (United Socialist Party of Venezuela) has been faced with great scrutiny by opposition leaders. As both sides accuse each other of corruption, the absence of Chavez appears to escalate this political instability.

The only way for the dissension amongst the Venezuelan population and political arena to quiet down is if Chavez returns to be officially sworn in. However, impatient politicians may be forcing another election. The possibility of the Venezuelan public voting against the incumbent United Socialist Party of Venezuela is still possible.