Venezuela: presidential race is going to be tough

Two candidates have been registered to run for presidency in Venezuela. They are Hugo Chavez’s successor Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Henrique Capriles. Both have a bit more than a month to attract as many supporters on their side as possible. Snap presidential elections in Venezuela are scheduled for April 14.
Previous presidential elections in Venezuela took place in October of 2012. Then Mr. Chavez, who by the time had been diagnosed with cancer, enjoyed an 11% win over his rival Capriles. This time Mr. Capriles was again picked up as a candidate from the opposition Coalition for Democratic Unity.

Expert at the Institute for Latin American Studies, Zbignev Ivanovsky: “Capriles is 40 years old. He was brought up in a Catholic family. Capriles graduated from Andres Bello Catholic University in Caracas with a degree in law. He is a successful businessman: his family owns assets in the media and in the film industry.”

In the 2008 regional elections he was elected Governor of Miranda state, defeating Chavez's supporter and former Vice President Diosdado Cabello. It should be mentioned that Capriles received this nomination after his defeat in the presidential election. Now Henrique Capriles is going to compete with the interim president Nicolas Maduro. Zbignev Ivanovsky continues: “He is a very energetic politician. He is 50. He has made a sky-high political career: from a bus driver to a vice president. He was a member of the left-wing opposition party and worked in trade unions. He took part in writing the Venezuelan Constitution. For many years he served as the country’s foreign minister. So he is a very experienced politician. Although he did not receive a higher education, he has impressive experience.”

Although Capriles enjoys a wide support of middle-class Venezuelans, most analysts predict that Maduro will win the elections. He belongs to an ordinary family and is supported by the poor. Besides, he has promised to proceed with Chavez's policies which is what many people hope for these days. Chavez’s critics will vote for Capriles.

Alexey Chernyaev, expert in U.S. and Latin America policies: “As far as Russia’s position is concerned, it would like to see Maduro as president to have guarantees that the previously reached agreements will be fulfilled. However, it is quite likely that when he becomes president, Capriles will suspend arms deals with Russia.”

The presidential campaign has just begun but the candidates have already exchanged harsh remarks: Maduro called his rival ‘a fascist’, while Capriles has promised Maduro a difficult path to the presidential post. The struggle is going to be tough.