MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chavez party has “slight lead” legislative election polls, but 37% are undecided

President Chavez still the most popular leader in Venezuela

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez party has a “slight lead” for the coming legislative elections of September 26, but final results will depend on the undecided, which still represent 37% of the electorate, according to pollster Datanalisis.

The ruling United Socialist party of Venezuela, (PSUV) has 52% of vote intention, and the opposition 48%, with 3 percentage points error margin revealed Luis Vicente León Datanalisis director.

“The two forces are quite even at the moment, the country is virtually divided in two halves but President Chavez makes that minimum difference. Nevertheless much will depend on the 37% undecided, which could easily define the election and the future of Chavez and the opposition for that matter”, said León.

According to the opinion poll Chavez PSUV is set to loose the most populated states while taking the less populated.

In the coming September 26, the 165 seats of the National Assembly, currently under majority control of President Chavez, are up for grabs and the president has insisted during the campaign that it is crucial to retain such a majority to ensure the continuation of the current ‘Bolivarian revolution’ program.

This time the opposition is aggressively campaigning after not having participated in 2005 alleging irregularities in the election process, which meant Chavez has enjoyed full control of the house.

León was asked about Chavez’ slight majority in spite of the fact the government has proven unable to address rampant crime and insecurity, blackouts, scarce food supply and inflation in the thirties.

The pollster said Chavez is still the most popular leader in Venezuela and has a blend of several ingredients: his direct link with the people; the emotional exchange with the majority of dispossessed Venezuelans and an inclusive speech for those marginalized, besides the fact he has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in “social development”.

“Chavez popularity and support is not going down the cliff: it still is in the range of 44%, even when it was 75% in 2006”, said Leon.

The pollster added that in spite of Chavez close links with Fidel Castro and his ambition to be seen as his best revolutionary apostle, “92% of Venezuelans reject the Cuban political model”.

León finally said that “chances of fraud” in the coming legislative are no concern for the opposition or for the electorate. “In this point all Venezuelans seem to agree, the transparency of the electoral system”.