In Venezuela, Obstacles to Maduro's Ascent

The presidential campaign has kicked off in Venezuela, and with only weeks to make their respective cases before the April 14 election, the candidates are off to a lively start. But the question is not so much about who will win, but rather what the result will mean for the country. Serious economic issues facing Venezuela, as well as the nature of the political transition, will challenge the unity of the government and the control it possesses after the vote. 

If Venezuela's interim president, Nicolas Maduro, prevails in the race — and there is little reason at this point to think that he will lose — he will face a complicated task of balancing the myriad competing interests in Venezuela capable of undermining his power. This may involve tactics favored by former President Hugo Chavez, such as political intimidation and nationalization. But the opposition may be able to unite against Maduro in a way they never could against the consistently popular Chavez. Thus, Maduro will need to act quickly, deftly and forcefully to secure his control.