The Vecinos Lecture Series brings political and cultural leaders from Latin America to Houston with the aim of examining major issues facing the region. At this installment, three distinguished academics from Venezuela will present a comprehensive outlook of their country"s 2012 presidential election. President Hugo Chávez, who has led Venezuela since 1999, is seeking re-election. He will run against a candidate from the opposing Coalition for Democratic Unity, whom the party will choose through a primary election in February 2012. Crime, corruption and microeconomic stability are key concerns among the electorate, and candidates on both sides will need to take a strong stance on these issues in order to attract votes in October 2012 presidential election. The Vecinos Lecture Series panelists will discuss the development of likely political scenarios before and after the election and their effects on energy politics and the future of Venezuela"s role in the international community.
