Do the pro-Chavez candidates have an unfair advantage and are state resources being used to favor them?
This is an interesting question the formulation of which shows a certain bias. The opposition has maintained for quite some time that the Chavez administration has been using state resources to win political support. For example, one will often hear statements such as Chavez’s social programs are an attempt to “buy” votes. Certainly, one can look at a government implementing popular programs as an attempt to gain political influence. However, from most people’s point of view that is precisely how government and politics is supposed to work. People elect governments that they expect will best provide services and improve their quality of life. Governments try to implement programs that do just those things. In turn, political leaders hope that the electorate will appreciate those efforts and will reward them at the ballot box for implementing successful program. Viewed this way Chavez’s social programs and other policies are a successful effort to do the greatest good for the greatest n
