VENEZUELA: Is Chavez's Control On The Ropes In Next Sunday's Election?

M.HERALD/ SPECIAL BY PHIL GUNSON /
     Using the impoverished barrio of Hoyo de las Delicias as an example, Gunson describes how Hugo Chavez's many welfare programs
("missions") may not be enough to maintain his control in the 26 September election...with all 165 seats in the single-chamber National Assembly up for grabs.
``To lose his majority in parliament would be a catastrophe for Chávez,'' said former legislator Gustavo Tarre. ``He has already said it would be the beginning of the end for his revolution.''
Polls show the electorate is split down the middle -- 53% in favor of Chávez versus 47% for the opposition.

For AP's "take" on upcoming election, SEE:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g9gPJWgEkSLznj-NLSn6IsHvQEtQD9IB3UPO0