Polls & Research
Archive Search
Chávez Maintains High Approval in Venezuela
.jpg)
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many Venezuelans express satisfaction with the performance of Hugo Chávez, according to a poll by IVAD. 60.2 per cent of respondents rate the president's performance as excellent or good.
Chávez has been in office since February 1999. In July 2000, he was elected to a six-year term with 59.5 per cent of all cast ballots. In August 2004, Chávez won a referendum on his tenure with 59 per cent of the vote. The special election was called after opposition organizations in Venezuela gathered 2.5 million signatures to force a recall ballot.
In December 2005, Venezuelan voters renewed their National Assembly. The pro-Chávez Fifth Republic Movement (MVR) secured 114 of the 167 seats at stake. Five opposition parties—Democratic Action (AD), the Social Christian Party (Copei), Project Venezuela (Proven), Justice First (PJ) and New Time (UNP)—boycotted the election, which saw a turnout of less than 25 per cent.
In his Apr. 9 radio address, Chávez criticized U.S ambassador William Brownfield for his "acts of provocation" against the country, adding, "You can start packing your bags, because I will throw you out of here." On Apr. 7, Brownfield had to be escorted by the National Guard when he exited a sports venue, after several individuals complained about his presence there and hurled eggs and tomatoes at his vehicle.
The next presidential election is scheduled for Dec. 3. Chávez is eligible for a new term in office.
Polling Data
How would you rate the performance of Hugo Chávez as president?
Excellent | 18.4% |
Good | 41.8% |
Average to good | 22.9% |
Average to bad | 5.7% |
Bad | 5.5% |
Terrible | 4.6% |
Source: Venezuelan Institute for Data Analysis (IVAD)
Methodology: Interviews with 1,200 Venezuelan adults in Caracas and nine other state capitals, conducted from Mar. 14 to Mar. 17, 2006. No margin of error was provided.