Chávez ravine?

Reports of the referendum result in Venezuela, which allows Hugo Chávez to keep running for presidential office for as long as he lives, emphasize the connection he and his supporters see between his 'enduring' in this way and the completion of socialism in that country. Whether or not he and they ask themselves the question, one wonders why the destiny of socialism in Venezuela should be linked with the rule of a single man. I know there is a certain (would-be) socialist tradition behind the linkage, but it hasn't covered itself in moral or political glory. You'd think they'd have noticed by now.