A big day in Venezuela

Today's the day of the referendum on Chavez in Venezuela. It's going to be close. Some of the press like to paint the contest as one between the 'well-heeled' upper and middle-class who oppose Chavez, against the poor and downtrodden who are championed by him. But in reality it's a clear choice between democracy and dictatorship. Chavez has used his power to loot the wealth-generating portions of the economy and has parcelled them out to buy support; but in the process he's done tremendous damage to Venezuela's future prospects. I don't consider that helping the poor. In preparation for today's decision, his goons have been out harassing TV stations and roughing up Si campaigners. Chavez will turn Venezuela into another Cuba if he gets he chance.

Jimmy Carter and the Organisation of American States are there to monitor the election, but that doesn't fill me with much confidence in a fair vote. There will be intimidation and harrassment of Si voters, and may even be outright fraud. And who knows what will happen when the results are announced? The Devil's Excrement and Caracas Chronicles are the blogs to read today.

UPDATE: Some more photos and personal stories at Vascaíno@Venezuela.

UPDATE II: The WSJ has more on what's at stake.