Venezuela is one of the richest and most strategically important countries in Latin America, however, today it is in a deep funk.

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.

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.