The Economist has an interesting story entitled “Tilting the Pitch” which nicely details what “incumbent’s advantage” means in the contemporary Venezuelan context. I have two comments about what the article doesn’t do (which is certainly understandable. It actually does a lot for a 600 word piece). First, the story doesn’t mention that while the opposition faces major obstacles placed in its path by a well-financed state, the Capriles campaign benefits from the support of a well-financed private sector. Second, with respect to the CNE it only mentions the issues of the CNE’s inability to control government abuse of media, and the obstacles faced by Miami expatriates. There is actually much more to be said regarding the electoral playing field. On Monday we will be posting a report on the Consejo Nacional Electoral.
