KINGSTON, Jamaica - MR Nicolas Maduro, late President Hugo Chavez' choice to succeed him, was elected president of Venezuela on Monday by a very narrow margin. But his opponent, Mr Henrique Capriles has challenged the legitimacy of the result, claimed victory and called for a recount by hand of all paper ballots.
Although Mr Maduro publicly pledged to allow the recount, the electoral council has refused and is defending the integrity of the electoral process.
Mr Maduro's margin of victory was not the resounding endorsement that was expected and predicted. This has several implications, starting with the extent to which he has been given a mandate. It raises the question of whether 'Chavezmo' and the Socialist Bolivarian Revolution can survive without Hugo Chavez?