Yes, Hugo Chavez is still popular in Venezuela precisely because conditions have improved during his time in office. The US corporate media is calling it ‘a close race’ despite the polls mainly showing quite the contrary? Why? Because the pro US government opposition to Chavez plans to scream fraud no matter how bad they actually lose, and the US and international corporate and government backers of regime change in Venezuela want to verbally back up the Right Wing’s hysteria no matter what? Why wouldn’t Hugo Chavez be ahead in the race? His opponent is even more creepy and slimy than Mitt Romney is here in the US, while Chavez is no Barack Obomber. Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez on the election trail. He is expected to win again, but has pledged to abide by the popular vote.