Blessed with charisma and communication skills, Chavez has managed to hold public affection; nonetheless enormous difficulties lieahead.

Disillusioned with politics as usual, Venezuelans have turned to a strong man, Chavez, to resolve their economic and social problems.

The best outcome that can be hoped for in Venezuela's election is either a Chávez suddenly sobered by the responsibilities of power or the victory of a civilian politician such as Salas Römer who is capable of reaching out to those who have not voted for him.

Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez must decide whether he wants to be a old-fashioned populist or a new sort of Latin American leader.

Venezuelan president Hugo Chávezmust decide whether he wants to be a old-fashioned populist, who achieves short-term popularity through a combination of charisma and glittering promises, or a new sort of Latin American leader, who focuses on the kinds of nitty-gritty issues that affect the lives of ordinary people.

Historians will likelylook back onthe present period of Venezuelan history and write of "Chavez the dictator" or of "Chavez the would-be dictator."

Quizás, la interpretación más benévola sobre el presidente de Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, es que se trata de un hombre que quiere ayudar a la mayoría pobre de su país, a la que se ha descuidado durante mucho tiempo.