Another Chavez Triumph, But Challenges Remain

The strong showing by Mr. Capriles is good for Venezuelan democracy, and indeed for the success of Mr. Chavez’s ‘Bolivarian Revolution’ — which might otherwise meander or lose direction without the constant accountability that only a robust opposition can ensure. Venezuela faces major domestic challenges, including corruption and a high murder rate. Poorly maintained infrastructure has reduced oil production, the country’s principal source of income. In the six additional years he now has before him, Mr. Chávez must not ignore these problems, even as he pushes ahead with his promise to decentralise power to local councils and take on the might of powerful private players in sectors like retail and transport through the promotion of public companies.