If Hugo wants to capitalize on the current tough stance, it would be after the elections.

If Hugo wants to use a semi tough stance, where he tries to renegotiate some of the contract ... or expand the social commitments and then announce startup/jobs, it would be before the elections.

I believe Venezuela needs the cash (now that oil revenues are dwindling) and wants a fast startup of the project - They will do very well with the current contract, without litigation.

All this commotion is just election banter. It's like our Canadian PM saying there will not be any deficit spending before the election and then revising his stance shortly after.

I've been involved with this stock for a very long time - stumbling from crisis to crisis. I think this time that this mine will be started. It was simply not a priority (too much oil money) until now.