Approval for Chavez Plummets in Venezuela

Public support for Hugo Chávez has significantly dwindled over the past two years, according to a poll by Alfredo Keller y Asociados. 47 per cent of respondents have a positive opinion of their president, down 17 points since 2006. Chávez—a left-leaning leader—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. Public support for Hugo Chávez has significantly dwindled over the past two years, according to a poll by Alfredo Keller y Asociados. 47 per cent of respondents have a positive opinion of their president, down 17 points since 2006. Chávez—a left-leaning leader—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.