The country's leader is using social networking to make decisions while out of the country
While your most important use of Twitter today might be telling all your dedicated followers what you had for lunch, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez rules a country using the social network. During his extended stay in Cuba — as he undergoes treatment for an unspecified cancer diagnosis — Chavez has been making use of Twitter to approve government programs and even cheer on the country's soccer team as it competed in the Copa America tournament.
Chavez has been in Cuba since June 20, when he underwent surgery to remove a tumor. He, along with the rest of the Venezuelan government, has remained mum on where or how serious the cancer was. Chavez has remained in Cuba to complete a series of chemotherapy treatments. While there, thePresident's official Twitter account has been alive with communications to his cabinet and decisions on issues like a $51 million waste collection project.
The 56-year-old leader took office in 1999 and is approaching the end of his third term as President. The Venezuelan constitution states that he can be reelected an unlimited number of times, and Chavez has already indicated his desire to remain in power. Utilizing Twitter to gain support and remain in the public eye might be a move pioneered by candidates here in the United States, but Chavez' 1.8 million followers make it clear that the formula works in any language.
[via The Next Web]
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