Brazilian strategists focus on Chávez's reelection

President Hugo Chávez is willing to give everything for his second reelection on October 7, 2012, and ahead of this new "Battle of Carabobo," as he named it, Brazilians have offered him the best political strategists to win the election.

Venezuela's Ambassador to Brazil Maximilien Sánchez Arveláiz visited Caracas in January in a "special" visit accompanied by Jose Dirceu, a controversial figure in Brazilian politics, current leader of the Brazilian Workers' Party (PT) and former president of the ruling party in Brazil, sources told El Universal.

Dirceu, who was chief of staff during the government of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (he had to resign over allegations of corruption) was one of the first political strategists consulted by Venezuela's Executive Office to prepare Chávez's campaign.

During the meetings held between late January and February 2012 in Caracas, Dirceu discussed some key details about the campaign.

He had no problem to get in touch with Hugo Chávez's staff because his ties with Venezuela date back to 2003, when he contributed to Lula's election as Brazilian president.

Dirceu met with Chávez and Venezuelan ministers as early as June 2011 during a visit to Caracas by the-then Brazilian president Lula da Silva.

One of the details that Dirceu and his team seek to refine in Chávez's image is related to "his communication gaps; one of them related to his health; his image as alleged autocrat and his radical discourse. The advisors will seek to give him a more conciliatory image," sources said.

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"It is not an easy task," members of Chávez's staff admitted. This is the reason why the campaign team of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) looked after Joao Santana, a Brazilian consultant and publicist.

Chávez's reelection is vital for Brazilians in order to maintain their profitable contracts in Venezuela.

Translated by Gerardo Cárdenas