The glorious Venezuelan phoenix

See the previous posts here and here, then read the article excerpted below.

Interpretations of the election varied widely. Analysts said the result had created new challenges and opportunities for both Chavez and his foes. Opposition parties, which were fractured and already had a diminished voice in the legislature, said their apparent loss of all National Assembly seats would free them to rebuild and mount a more unified challenge to Chavez. The government, analysts said, will have to convince the public that the election constitutes a clear mandate before instituting constitutional changes and new laws.

"I think this marks a clear turning point that will mean the separation of the old opposition and the birth of a new generation of leadership," said Julio Borges, a 2006 presidential candidate of the Justice First party, which pulled out of the elections last week. "No one can say that we emerged as winners, but the government didn't win either. The low turnout sent a message that the people don't have confidence in the country's institutions and its leadership."