Caracas Chronicles

This is what I was writing in October 2002. Fifteen months have gone by, but nothing has changed.

“…it’s critical that Chávez is replaced through an election. Aside from all the valid idealistic reasons for demanding democratic decision-making, the fact is that he does retain the support of a third of the population. Much more relevantly, he maintains the fervent support of about 20% of the electorate, the so-called chavistas duros (hard-core chavistas) who see him more as a mystical figure than a politician. If Chávez is pushed out of office unconstitutionally, by force, these people will never accept the outcome. At best, they’d be a constant thorn on the side of the next government, at worst they could start a civil war. It worries me that the most radicalized opposition figures out there don’t seem to realize how much of a problem this is, and continue to push for extra-constitutional means of getting rid of the guy. Making sure that 20% feels included – or at least doesn’t feel openly violated – by the transition to the post-chavista era will probably be the most important task of the next government. Let’s hope they don’t screw it up.”

Thanks to Mike for noticing the eerie similarities.