Referendo revocatorio Elecciones Regionales en Venezuela: Geografía Electoral de la polarización

this article presents the results of the recall referendum in august 2004 and of the regional elections on the 31st of october, highlighting the persistence of a profound political polarization between different social sectors distinguished by their income levels and finding expression in the territorial distribution of the votes -more or less constant since at least 1998. the authors begin with a brief sketch of the process leading up to the recall referendum before analyzing the results of both electoral processes. the results are then compared with those of the national elections of 1998 and 2000 in order to demonstrate the degree of continuity. after indicating elements that help to explain the extreme polarization and its negative effects on the socio-political dynamics in venezuela, the article concludes by suggesting some of the challenges to be faced if the confrontation is to be reduced and the possibility of a more integrated society realized.