Paper short abstract:

This paper explores the impact President Chavez's health problem has had on the growth of a democratic system in Venezuela.

Paper long abstract:

After Hugo Chávez, the President of Venezuela was re-elected in December 2006, Chávez organized a referendum in December 2007 to introduce a constitutional reform that would allow him to be re-elected indefinitely. Nonetheless, in spite of time and abundant resources for the campaign, Chávez lost. However, this unexpected defeat didn't stop Chávez. As the parliament was fully controlled by the Government then, a second referendum was organised. On February 15, 2009, Chávez got the constitutional amendment allowing him to run for office indefinitely. This referendum was different because it included the indefinite re-election of 'all' high-ranking politicians, not only the President. Thereupon, Chávez was re-elected in October 2012. This element of 'indefinite re-election' and democracy in Venezuela is addressed in this paper, as Chávez intended to stay in power until 2031; despite his battle and treatment with cancer - he announced to the Venezuelan people on June 30, 2011, from Havana Cuba. What is interesting is that Chávez's popularity increased after informing the nation his illness and painful recovery. What was and still is very confusing (treated as a closely guarded state secret) is the lack of specific information about Chávez's battle with cancer. This analysis investigates the extent to which Chávez's illness (before and after his death on March 5, 2013) has been used as a theme to revive Chávez's renown populist tactics, further galvanise his 'Cult of Personality', and military/democratic 'Caudillo' status - in a deeply polarised Latin American society.