Independent polls have shown Chavez having the support of over half the Venezuelan population. Even if he’s ‘made sure’ that he will win, he probably would have won in a fair vote as well.
The same goes for the Presidential election in the United States. I was surprised to see how many FReepers believe that voter fraud won Obama the election. There was probably fraud, but Obama would have most likely won even without it.
The Venezuelan and American people were by and large unwise in their vote, with or without vote rigging.
You’re right. Electoral democracy has always been one of the easiest paths for communists to achieve power.
all you have to do is promise to give them stuff for free.