Venezuela's Chavez Urges
Opposition to Respect Referendum Results
Caracas - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez asked opposition leaders
Monday to accept the results of the constitutional referendum to be
held on Feb. 15, which could allow him and all other elected
officials unlimited re-elections.
If Chavez loses the referendum, he would "immediately" recognize the
results, said the president.
"I would like to hear the same from the opposition leaders. Let's
recognize the results and continue the march. It is my call and
compromise," Chavez said during a TV interview.
He also called on opposition leaders to restrain from violence and
avoid acts against citizens like "blocking streets, setting trees on
fire and attacking cars of public security (personnel)."
On Jan. 14, around 84 percent of National Assembly lawmakers
approved the constitutional amendment lifting term limits for the
president and all other elected officials.
The amendments must still be approved by voters in the referendum.
Almost 17 million Venezuelans will vote in the referendum, which
will have 140,000 military officers on duty at 11,500 electoral
centers.
Chavez had proposed amendments to the constitution in 2007 as well,
seeking to extend his six-year presidential term to seven years and
lift presidential term limits. However, a referendum turned down the
proposal.
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