Chávez scores electoral victory: Supporters gather in San Francisco

On Sunday, Dec. 3, the people of Venezuela reelected President Hugo Chávez by a wide margin.

For years, Chávez has been dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Venezuela, carrying on the Bolivarian

Chávez supporters show solidarity with the Bolivarian Revolution in San Francisco, Dec. 3. Photo: Amelia McDonald

Revolution despite U.S.-backed right-wing opposition. Chávez and the people of Venezuela have made major gains in taking back the wealth and power of their country.

During the Venezuelan presidential vote, people from all over California and nearby states gathered outside the Venezuelan Consulate in San Francisco to support Chávez. The consulate is the only place on the West Coast where Venezuelan citizens can vote in Venezuela’s national elections. The exchanges between Chávez supporters and right-wingers voting for opposition candidate Manuel Rosales illustrated the deep contrast between those who support Chávez and those who do not.

Rosales supporters pulled money out of their pockets and showed their credit cards, insinuating that the Chávez supporters needed to get jobs. Those supporting Chávez and his platform of funding the needs of the people of Venezuela and working to alleviate the imperialist grip of the United States over Latin America spoke of equality and change.

Workers, families, union members, members of the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) and the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and others gathered across the street from the consulate chanting and celebrating Chávez’s assured victory. The taunts from Rosales supporters seemed insignificant in view of the celebratory atmosphere.

Working-class Venezuelans voted again for revolutionary advances. Led by the victorious Chávez, they continue to push forward their challenge to the capitalist class.