Opposition Falling Behind

Eight Venezuelan opposition candidates announced that they would jointly support the candidacy of Governor Manuel Rosales in the upcoming presidential elections on 3 December. While the decision was considered to be an important first step to mount a unified front against President Hugo Chavez, it is unlikely that the opposition will stand a chance of winning the elections, in our view. The latest opinion polls suggest that almost 60% of the population continue to support Chavez's re-election, while Rosales would only receive 9% of all votes. Furthermore, Chavez's dominant influence in the legislature will enable him to continue his profligate

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