MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Ample support for President Chavez

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has an acceptance rate of 61% and a 45% vote intention for next year's presidential election when he is expected to run for a second term, according to a public opinion poll published Sunday in Caracas main daily, El Universal.

The poll taken by Alfredo Keller & Associate describes the 61% popularity as acceptance; 49% wish Mr. Chavez to remain in office; 45% believe he's a gifted leader, and 45% are intent in voting for him again.

As to why the sustained popularity of President Chavez after almost six years in office, Mr. Keller said that 74% of Venezuelans still have the "illusion" that the country's main challenges such as employment, law and order or the cost of living can be effectively addressed and solved.

"Mr. Chavez is a great fascinator, a tremendous salesman of illusions".

But this approach can also be risky and erosive since social assistance policies, which were not invented in Venezuela, "have been exacerbated and arisen great expectations".

"So when you are measuring Mr. Chavez popularity there's a great component of illusion. Which can rapidly turn his popularity elusive if it doesn't deliver or the message wears out", added Mr. Keller.

The credibility of the presidential message preaching "equality and social justice" is also based in "his charismatic capacity and huge money resources" with which he can keep running social programs or "missions" for the poor, (the overwhelming majority in Venezuela) in areas such as "education, health employment and others".

"That keeps people's expectations alive", highlighted Mr. Keller.

The poll taken at the end of June among 1,200 people all over the country also showed that 28% of Venezuelans reject Mr. Chavez and his populist policies.

President Chavez who was originally elected with 60% support, in August 2004 overcame a special presidential recall vote with 58% in favour of having him fulfill the remaining two years of his term, and 42% favouring the termination of his presidency immediately.