Chavez Seeks Expanded Power in Charter

Chavez Seeks Expanded Power in Charter

ap.google.com

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Hugo Chavez could have a shot at becoming president for life if voters approve a sweeping overhaul of the constitution Sunday that would give him unchecked power to reshape Venezuela's government, economy and society.

Some polls show Chavez faces considerable resistance in the referendum. His primary impediment seems to be voters like Vanessa Meneses, a 27-year-old single mother who has backed Chavez in past elections but now fears he could become another Fidel Castro.

"Supposedly he wants to make Venezuela like Cuba and stay in power forever. It's scary," Meneses said. "He wants to be the only one like in Cuba, and I don't like it."

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MY goodness what will the movie stars think?

" Who's your Dictator?"
lol

ap.google.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

Nobody gonna step up to the plate on this one?

Sure. It's a referendum. The citizens of Venezuela will either vote for it or against it, and it doesn't put him in power forever it just allows him to be relected by the people. Doesn't sound like a dictator to me.

OH?
Did anyone tell the people that?

Why are they rioting?

maybe they don't trust him as much as you.

[edit on 043030p://bThursday2007 by Stormdancer777]

Chavez's plan to rewrite 69 articles of the constitution has drawn opponents into the streets over the past month. They have urged citizens to reject changes such as the elimination of presidential term limits and measures to weaken regional governments. Chavez's former defense minister and one party previously allied with him have turned against the president.

www.bloomberg.com...

A glance at some of Chavez's proposed changes to Venezuela's constitution

Presidential terms are lengthened from six to seven years. Terms limits are eliminated, allowing the president to run for re-election indefinitelyThe president is granted control over the Central Bank, which previously had autonomy.

The president is also granted authority to set monetary policy and administer international reserves.

The president may declare a state of emergency for an unlimited period, as long as "the causes that motivated it remain." During this period various constitutional rights

"may be restricted or suspended temporarily,"

a change that critics warn would let the government detain citizens without charges and censor the news media.

Certain rights are maintained at all times, including the right to legal defense..

Mr. Chavez's reform package has raised concern among many Venezuelans that he could turn the country into a communist dictatorship.

Thousands of Venezuelans Protest Proposed Constitutional Changes
www.voanews.com...