President Hugo Chavez photo release seen as more proof illness has overtaken politics of Venezuela

Democracy, elections and voting at Democracy Chronicles

Chavez pictures cheer supporters but questions remain

AFP – A smiling but bedridden Hugo Chavez — the first direct proof of life after an almost ten-week absence — cheered supporters of the cancer-stricken Venezuelan president. But analysts say the pictures haven’t settled the fundamental question that has kept Venezuela on edge.

Despite the ‘proof-of-life’ photos released of Chavez on Friday, many are questioning the leader’s return to Venezuela. Chavez was released by Venezuelan authorities on Friday having driven a wedge further into this polarized South American nation.