Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 12/2012

Political Unrest in Venezuela

Patrick D. Duddy

September 2012

Council on Foreign Relations

Abstract

In the coming months, Venezuela could experience significant political unrest and violence that lead to the further curtailment of democracy in the country. Presidential elections are scheduled to take place on October 7, 2012. President Hugo Chavez is in the midst of a tough reelection campaign against Henrique Capriles Radonski—the young and energetic governor of the state of Miranda–– who enjoys multiparty support and appears to have a better chance of defeating the incumbent than earlier challengers.