A referendum is currently under way in Venezuela where voters are to decide on a proposal that would assist elected officials in seeking as many terms as they wish. Mooted by the Hugo Chavez-led Government, the proposal is set to be a watershed in the political landscape of this South American country. A similar referendum was narrowly rejected in 2007 and there seems to be extensive campaigns from ‘pro’ and ‘anti’ groups to mobilize voters.
If the 2007 proposal sought to extend the presidential term limit, this year’s constitutional amendment will cover gubernatorial and state political posts. The move to push forth for such a change has evoked mixed reaction from the public, in and outside Venezuela. While critics believe that the referendum is designed to facilitate a concentration of power on the President’s hand, Mr. Chavez himself believes that the extant regime offers little scope for a constitutionally elected leader to function effectively.
“Ten years is nothing,” Mr Chavez, whose term expires in 2012, said at a news conference on Saturday. “I don’t know what they’re complaining about.”
As to whether the Venezuelan voter agrees to give the right of unlimited terms to its leaders in power will be clear within this week. Campaigning has acquired great intensity and the move will certainly reflect on the country’s future in coming years.
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