More presidential contenders came to the forefront this week to announce they are challenging Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez in the 2012 general elections. Among them is Miranda State Governor Henrique Capriles Rodonski. On Tuesday, Capriles announced his candidacy vowing to “be president of all Venezuelans, of all those with a dream, of all of those who believe that they can make progress.” In reaction to Capriles’ message of unity and inclusion, Chavistas wasted no time in launching a negative campaign against the popular governor.

Other opposition leaders include Zulia Governor Pablo Pérez, Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma and former Caracas Mayor Leopoldo López, whose candidacy is in limbo. López faces a Chavez-imposed ban based on alleged corruption. The opposition’s primary elections are scheduled for February 2012.

At stake in the 2012 presidential elections is the future of oil-rich Venezuela, which faces a weak economy headlined by inflation and – ironically – energy shortages, a questionable human rights record, and a flurry of international allegations of links to drug trafficking and terrorism.

Do any of the Venezuelan opposition candidates stand a chance? For Venezuela’s sake, we hope so!