The snap presidential election of Venezuela will take place on April 14. The winner of this election – scheduled following the death of President Hugo Chavez – will complete the six-year term that Chavez won last year. The leading contenders are the incumbent acting President Nicolas Maduro of the United Socialist Party, and the Governor of the State of Miranda, Henrique Capriles Radonski , of the Justice Party.
The President of Venezuela serves both as the head of State as well as the head of the government.
Maduro has served as the interim President since Chavez’s death in March. These polls are significant for Venezuela’s future, given that it has the potential to determine whether Chavez’s socialist revolution will be retained under his nominated successor.
Regardless of the outcome, the winner will face numerous post-election challenges, which include strained finances, rising inflation, and shortage of basic consumer goods in the country.