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.

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• April 18, 2009 -- The Gift: Hugo Chavez Gave Obama This Book
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• February 2, 2009 -- Obama Sets Meeting With Chavez