As one of the most well-known left-wing politicians in Latin America, Hugo Chavez left many things uncertain and unpredictable after his death on Tuesday. But leftism in Venezuela will continue its impact on the whole of society because of political inertia.

As the right hand of Chavez, Nicolás Maduro, vice president of Venezuela who was officially appointed by Chavez as his successor, is very likely to follow his talent scout's policies.

Most importantly, the Venezuelan military, after the announcement of Chavez's death, was almost the first group to pledge its allegiance to Maduro. With the backing of the army, Maduro will be the dominant power amid the political groups in Venezuela.

Chavez's presidency was supported by most ordinary people. Even when Chavez got cancer and his health went down dramatically in recent days, the ordinary Venezuelans prayed for his recovery and supported him as usual.

A 14-year-long presidency is unusual in a democracy, but Chavez deserved the title as a president who was truly elected by the people, because in every election, despite other factors, Chavez was far ahead of his rivals.

Venezuelans will miss him. His policies to benefit the common people and concern for the needy and impoverished will be remembered for a long time.

It is true that a golden opportunity for the Venezuelan opposition has finally showed up. The latest news has reported that the US is willing to open a more "constructive relationship" with Venezuela, which I think can be interpreted as implicit support for the Venezuelan opposition.

There is a consensus that gerontocracy and the multi-year presidency achieved by amending constitutions in Latin America are reaching a dead end, but the opposition, which represents the interests of Venezuela's middle class, has little chance to reverse the balance of power.

Chavez's international influence, especially over Latin America, has been so enormous that no one wants to lose such a great partner, especially its oil supplies.

The opposition is unlikely to win enough votes in the 30 days before the next election.

If the opposition attempted to overturn the current system illegally, especially by resorting to violence, it would be condemned by most countries.

No matter what happens in the post-Chavez age, it is still too early to make final conclusions. Chavez, who was so dazzling around the globe, will still be alive in people's words.

The article was compiled by Global Times reporter Liu Zhun based on an interview with Yang Zhimin, vice director of the Department of Economic Research at the Institute of Latin America, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn