Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Venezuelans Deem Chávez a Dictator
June 13, 2007

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Venezuela believe their president's recent actions recall those of an authoritarian leader, according to a poll by Hinterlaces. 51 per cent of respondents say Hugo Chávez is behaving like a dictator, while 31 per cent think he is acting like a democrat.

Chávez has been in office since February 1999. In July 2000, he was elected to a six-year term with 59.5 per cent of all cast ballots. In August 2004, Chávez won a referendum on his tenure with 59 per cent of the vote. The special election was called after opposition organizations in Venezuela gathered 2.5 million signatures to force a recall ballot. In December 2006, Chávez earned a new six-year term with 62.89 per cent of the vote.

In January, Venezuela's National Assembly approved the Enabling Law, which grants the president special powers to enact presidential decrees in 11 different areas for a period of 18 months. Chávez said he would use the legislation for "the construction of a new, sustainable economic and social model" in order to "achieve equality in the distribution of wealth."

Last month, Venezuela's Radio Caracas Television (RCTV) was taken off the air after the government decided not to renew its broadcasting license. The RCTV network had been on the air for 54 years, and boasted the country's largest audience. Chávez accused the network of harming his "revolution" and repeatedly said it was aligned with the opposition.

Earlier this month, Chávez discussed the current state of affairs in Venezuelan, saying, "What hurts me most is poverty, and that's what led me to become a rebel. (...) I'm not singing victory yet. It's a long road. There will continue to be all the individual freedoms, collective freedoms, fundamental rights. We accept private education. We accept private health care, as long as it's regulated and in keeping with national policy. (...) The same goes for banks."

Polling Data

Do you think Hugo Chávez is behaving like a dictator or like a democrat?

Like a dictator 51%

Like a democrat 31%

No reply 18%

http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewItem/itemID/16100