Chavez Seeks Power Until 2021

(NEWSER) - Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez won a key referendum today that will keep him in office for as long as he wins elections, Reuters reports. After years of debate, Chavez supporters voted to abolish term limits that would have ended his rule in 2013. The reported margin of victory, 54% to 46%, was bigger than expected after polls gave Chavez only a slight lead. More»

Ex-defense minister pressed Chavez to admit referendum defeat

(NEWSER) - An ex-ally has become a formidable rival for Hugo Chavez after the president's defeat in a constitutional referendum that would have given him more power and the right to unlimited reelection. The Wall Street Journal explores the career of Raul Baduel, Chavez’ former friend and defense minister, who protected Chavez from a coup in 2002 but now portrays himself as a guardian of democracy in Venezuela. More»

Chavez seeks to end prez term limits, enact socialist reforms

(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. More»

US accused of plotting against Chavez

(NEWSER) - Venezuela threatened to expel a US diplomat for allegedly plotting against President Hugo Chavez' plan to run for re-election indefinitely. It's the latest headline-grabbing move by Chavez before a referendum on changes to the nation's constitution. Chavez has also accused CNN of encouraging an assassination plot against him, and has set a date to launch Venezuela's own time zone. More»

Referendum will keep him in power, but Venezuelan economy makes it 'irrelevant'

(NEWSER) - Hugo Chavez has a slight lead in tomorrow’s referendum that would allow him to extend his rule in Venezuela, but the realities of the country’s economy make the issue “mostly irrelevant,” Edward Schumacher-Matos writes in the Washington Post. No matter the outcome, his days are numbered. The steep drop in the value of oil, which accounts for 95% of Venezuela’s revenues, spells his doom. More»