CARACAS, Venezuela – PRESIDENT Hugo Chavez attained victory in Sunday’s (Feb. 15) Referendum to eliminate term limits and can now remain in power for as long as he keeps winning elections.
According to the Associated Press, it is second time lucky for Chavez as a similar amendment to remove term limits was defeated in 2007.
National Electoral Council Chief Tibisay Lucena revealed that over 11 million Venezuelans voted, with 54 percent of persons voting for the constitutional amendment while 46 percent opposed it.
News reports from the country state that fireworks exploded in the sky and caravans of supporters celebrated in the streets, waving red flags and honking horns, while thousands of people gathered outside the presidential palace to listen to Chavez’s address.
The Venezuelan President first came to power in 1999 and has previously stated his intention to rule for at least one more decade so that he could secure what he deems the country’s “socialist revolution”.
“Today we opened wide the gates of the future. In 2012 there will be presidential elections and unless God decides otherwise, unless the people decide otherwise, this soldier is already a candidate.
“Those who voted yes today voted for socialism, for revolution,” he said.
International observers said the vote was free and fair, and although the opposition has expressed great disappointment at the result, leaders were quoted as saying they would not contest the vote.
According to Opposition Leader Omar Barboza, Chavez already has far too much power and the removal of the term limits makes him unstoppable.
“It’s control of all the powers, lack of separation of powers, unscrupulous of state resources and persecution of adversaries. Effectively this will become a dictatorship,” he declared.
Venezuela News