The next President will be a Socialist like Chavez

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Domestically, Mr Chavez's targets included the traditional political class with its strong ties to the US.

To counter their influence in the media, President Chavez promoted state television and pressured the judiciary to restrict the influence of privately-owned means of communication.

He also replaced technocrats in the state oil company (PDVSA) with loyal supporters.

Venezuela became increasingly politicised, with the debate focusing on the role of President Chavez himself.
To maintain political support, Mr Chavez expanded his social programmes using the income derived from high oil prices.

Minimum wages were increased sharply and many Venezuelans were lifted out of poverty.

Other social indicators, notably literacy, also improved and Mr Chavez and his political movement had little difficulty in defeating an opposition that was deeply divided and unable to adjust to the new Venezuelan realities.

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Any successor to Hugo Chavez, whether from his own party or the opposition, will need to tackle these issues, but they will do so without the undoubted charisma that has sustained Chavez's popularity for many years. When that happens, Venezuela will embark on a new chapter in its 200-year history.

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