Venezuelan
Constitutional Referendum Allows Chavez To Run in 2012
Caracas - Venezuelan President
Hugo Chavez on Sunday won a constitutional referendum that lifted
the limit on presidential terms, allowing him to run anew in the
presidential election in 2012.
Tibisay Lucena from the National Electoral Council said late Sunday
that, according to preliminary results, 54.36 percent of voters
approved the constitutional amendment to remove the term limits and
45.63 percent against it.
Supporters roamed the streets in vehicles and motorcycles in Caracas
after the announcement, waving flags and honking horns to celebrate
the victory. Fireworks were lit across the city.
Chavez, in his signature red shirt, led the supporters gathering in
front of the balcony of his presidential palace singing the national
anthem.
"Today we opened wide the gate to the future," he told the
supporters, and "truth and dignity have triumphed" in Venezuela.
"Unless God disposes otherwise, unless the people dispose otherwise,
this soldier is already a candidate," he claimed.
Chavez also said former Cuban President Fidel Castro had sent him a
message of congratulations on the victory that "is impossible to
measure."
"This victory is also yours, Fidel," Chavez said.
During the speech, Chavez vowed to fight crime and corruption, as
well as to improve security situation in his remaining four years of
presidency.
He then announced a week of celebrations when Venezuelans would be
enjoying days off.
The president has been seeking to stay in office to continue his
economic and social development programs which he considered have
achieved results but have not been completed.
Some opposition leaders said at the campaign headquarters that they
would accept the results.
A total of 16,767,511 registered voters cast their votes at the
voting centers across the country from 6:00 to 18:00 Sunday local
time (1030 to 2230 GMT).
The voting process went smoothly in all the 23 states, said General
Jesus Gonzalez, who leads the security movement known as the "Plan
Republica," told a press conference.
Gonzalez said several people have been arrested due to felonies
against the voting centers.
Chavez was first elected in 1998 and reelected in 2006. He proposed
amendments to the constitution to allow him to seek a new term in
2012.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
