February 15th, 2009 // comments (0)

Chavez Wins ‘Term Limits’ Vote

Hugo Chavez can now run for office indefinitely…:

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – President Hugo Chavez won a referendum to eliminate term limits Sunday, paving the way for him to run again in 2012—and beyond—and push through his vision of a socialist Venezuela.

Fireworks exploded in the sky and caravans of supporters celebrated in the streets, waving red flags and honking horns.

With 94 percent of the vote counted, 54 percent had voted in favor of the constitutional amendment, National Electoral Council chief Tibisay Lucena announced. Forty-six percent had voted against the measure to eliminate term limits on all public officials, too few to make up the distance with the remaining votes.

“Today we opened wide the gates of the future. Venezuela will not return to its past of indignity,” Chavez proclaimed after singing the national anthem from the balcony of his Miraflores palace.

Related:

• November 26, 2009 -- PEAS IN A POD
• July 6, 2009 -- Coming Soon: The Looming Showdown Over Honduras
• April 23, 2009 -- Horse Death Mystery Solved: Pharmacy Admits Fault
• April 20, 2009 -- Venezuelan Horses Poisoned?: 21 Die Before Polo Match
• April 18, 2009 -- The Gift: Hugo Chavez Gave Obama This Book
• April 17, 2009 -- New Friends?: The Obama/Chavez Shake
• April 3, 2009 -- Chavez Welcomes GITMO Detainees
• March 6, 2009 -- Chavez Tries To Recuit Obama
• February 2, 2009 -- Obama Sets Meeting With Chavez
• November 3, 2008 -- Chavez Excited About Obama Win