Hugo Chavez: Death, Solidarity & The Future

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was confirmed dead yesterday after a member of the opposition group aroused speculation that he was dead a few days prior. Chavez was treated for lung cancer in Cuba and was the friend of Cuban President Fidel Castro. Chavez also supported Castro during his sickness and he ruled his country with an iron fist like Castro.

Following Chavez's death, many Venezuelans gathered to mourn their leader. President Obama said that he will assist the country in coming months, but it is unclear whether a democracy will emerge from his death. Miami is home to many Venezuelans who fled their country amid Sandinista rule and I know that many of them will love to see a democratic Venezuela.

However, many people speculate that the embalming and display of Chavez's body is meant to seal the electorial victory of Nicolas Maduro. Maduro was the country's vice president before Chavez's death and is the successor that Chavez wants.

The Venezuelan election will be held within 30 days from Chavez's death and opposition leader Henrique Caprilles has announced his plans to run against Maduro.

Whoever becomes the next Venezuelan president must remember that Venezuela is rich with oil and needs to be protected from corruption and bribery.