Last Sunday's Venezuelan elections have prompted a wide range of interpretations, from the landslide victory of Chavez's Party because of the numbers of gubernatorial and mayoral races it gained to the triumph of the opposition because it won in the most populated regions. In reality, the results demonstrate a deeply divided nation that, as such, needs more conciliation than confrontation.
The election speaks for itself. The party of President Hugo Chavez won 17 of 22 governorships, gaining two new states, and also maintained overwhelming control of mayorships. At the same time, the opposition parties triumphed in the Capital District, Carabobo, Tachira and other regions, which collectively produce 70% of the Gross National Product and where 45% of the population resides. In short, according to the National Electoral Council, 51.62% voted in favor of Chavez and 48.38% against.
The true winner was democracy. Voters made their voices heard and the results are being accepted. This is more important than the verbal excesses of the campaign. Now, however, it is more critical to establish the tone necessary to work in the political reality made so apparent by the election.
In this sense, Chavez still doesn't act in accordance with the demands of a democracy. He finds it difficult to accept defeat without hurling warnings at the winners. He chooses to try to intimidate those within reach since confrontation is his style of governing.
For its part, the opposition demonstrated in this election that it is a group of parties with nothing more in common than the visceral rejection of Chavez.
The election shows a deep divide that, for the good of the country, should be closed. For that to happen, the political will of the government and the goodwill of the adversaries will be needed.
The election shows a deep divide that, for the good of the country, should be closed. For that to happen, the political will of the government and the goodwill of the adversaries will be needed.
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