Venezuela Calmly Goes to Polls

Chavez seeks to end prez term limits, enact socialist reforms

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 2, 2007 3:07 PM CST

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Venezuela Calmly Goes to Polls — A soldier directs voters during a referendum in Caracas, Sunday, Dec.2, 2007. Venezuelans went to the polls during a referendum on constitutional reforms that, among other changes, would expand President Hugo Chavez's powers and allow indefinite re-election. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan) (Associated Press)

Polls are orderly today as Venezuelans decide on an amendment that may make Chavez president for life, Reuters reports. Most surveys say voters are split 50/50 on the referendum, which Chavez vows will win by 10 points and usher in “21st century socialism.” Opponents say the changes, which include ending Chavez’s term limit, would make the anti-American president a dictator.

With even some supporters indifferent to the reforms, Chavez has called the vote a referendum on his rule. “Whoever votes 'Yes' is voting for Chavez and whoever votes 'No' is voting for George W. Bush,” he said. Although voters are calm so far, violence has marred the campaign, and many fear chaos if the election is disputed. (More Hugo Chavez stories.)

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