Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Venezuela Calmly Goes to Polls

Chavez seeks to end prez term limits, enact socialist reforms

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 2, 2007 3:07 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – Polls are orderly today as Venezuelans decide on an amendment that may make Chavez president for life, Reuters reports. Most surveys say voters are split 50/50 on the referendum, which Chavez vows will win by 10 points and usher in “21st century socialism.” Opponents say the changes, which include ending Chavez’s term limit, would make the anti-American president a dictator.

With even some supporters indifferent to the reforms, Chavez has called the vote a referendum on his rule. “Whoever votes 'Yes' is voting for Chavez and whoever votes 'No' is voting for George W. Bush,” he said. Although voters are calm so far, violence has marred the campaign, and many fear chaos if the election is disputed.

A soldier directs voters during a referendum in Caracas, Sunday, Dec.2, 2007. Venezuelans went to the polls during a referendum on constitutional reforms that, among other changes, would expand President Hugo Chavez's powers and allow indefinite re-election. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
A soldier directs voters during a referendum in Caracas, Sunday, Dec.2, 2007. Venezuelans went to the polls during a referendum on constitutional reforms that, among other changes, would expand President...   (Associated Press)
Voters look for their names at lists in a polling station during a referendum in Caracas, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. Venezuelans went to the polls during a referendum on constitutional reforms that, among other changes, would expand President Hugo Chavez's powers and allow indefinite re-election. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
Voters look for their names at lists in a polling station during a referendum in Caracas, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. Venezuelans went to the polls during a referendum on constitutional reforms that, among...   (Associated Press)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez raises his fist after voting during a referendum in Caracas, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007.Venezuelans went to the polls Sunday in a referendum, called by Chavez's government, on major changes to their constitution, including removing presidential term limits and expanding presidential powers.(AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez raises his fist after voting during a referendum in Caracas, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007.Venezuelans went to the polls Sunday in a referendum, called by Chavez's government,...   (Associated Press)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez signs after voting at a polling station in Caracas, Dec. 2, 2007. Venezuelans went to the polls Sunday in a referendum, called by Chavez's government, on major changes to their constitution, including removing presidential term limits and expanding presidential powers.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez signs after voting at a polling station in Caracas, Dec. 2, 2007. Venezuelans went to the polls Sunday in a referendum, called by Chavez's government, on major changes...   (Associated Press)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez casts his ballot at a polling station in Caracas, Dec. 2, 2007. Venezuelans went to the polls during a referendum on constitutional reforms that, among other changes, would expand Chavez's powers and allow indefinite re-election. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez casts his ballot at a polling station in Caracas, Dec. 2, 2007. Venezuelans went to the polls during a referendum on constitutional reforms that, among other changes,...   (Associated Press)
Voters wait to cast their ballots at a polling station in Caracas, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. Venezuelans went to the polls during a referendum on constitutional reforms that, among other changes, would expand President Hugo Chavez's powers and allow indefinite re-election. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Voters wait to cast their ballots at a polling station in Caracas, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. Venezuelans went to the polls during a referendum on constitutional reforms that, among other changes, would expand...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

One former Chavez supporter says no thanks
New York Times

Democracy means "coup" in Venezuela
Wall Street Journal

Poor disillusioned as Chavez seeks power
Financial Times (UK)

Chavez accuses US of election sabotage
Wall Street Journal

Venezuelans vote on socialist constitution
Bloomberg

 
constitutional amendment • Venezuela • socialism • America • constitution • dictatorship • vote • Hugo Chávez • referendum • George W. Bush

More Newser Stories

Exit Polls Give Chavez Victory

For Chavez, the End Is Near

Former Ally Now Rivals Chavez

Chavez Seeks Power Until 2021

Chavez Loses Vote in Upset
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne