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(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many people in Venezuela disagree with a series of constitutional reforms being proposed by their president, according to a poll by Hinterlaces published in El Nacional. 45 per cent of respondents oppose the reforms—which include allowing the indefinite re-election of Hugo Chávez—while 35 per cent support them.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many people in Venezuela disagree with a series of constitutional reforms being proposed by their president, according to a poll by Hinterlaces published in El Nacional. 45 per cent of respondents oppose the reforms—which include allowing the indefinite re-election of Hugo Chávez—while 35 per cent support them.
Chávez has been in office since February 1999. In July 2000, he was elected to a six-year term with 59.5 per cent of all cast ballots. In August 2004, Chávez won a referendum on his tenure with 59 per cent of the vote. The special election was called after opposition organizations in Venezuela gathered 2.5 million signatures to force a recall ballot. In December 2006, Chávez earned a new six-year term with 62.89 per cent of the vote.
In June, Chávez revealed during a televised interview his proposal to reform the country’s constitution for the second time since he took office. The new draft includes a clause that would allow the unlimited re-election of the head of state. The president also mentioned he is considering the introduction of a presidential-parliamentary system in Venezuela.
The National Assembly—where pro-Chávez lawmakers control more than two-thirds of the seats—has tentatively scheduled the referendum for Dec. 9. Before the plebiscite takes place, the legislature must approve the draft.
On Jun. 23, Chávez gave a speech suggesting he intends to stay in power for as long as possible, saying, "(Cuban president) Fidel Castro has told me that should I die, this revolution will be gone with the wind. (…) I am aware that he is right, unfortunately. If I die, this revolution will be gone with the wind, because we lack a party, a big machinery."
On Aug. 28, former planning deputy minister Roland Denis Boulton—a supporter of Chávez—published a paper opposing the clause that would allow for indefinite presidential re-election, saying it "threatens to turn this humble republic into a social-liberal autocracy."
Polling Data
Do you support or oppose the constitutional reform presented by Hugo Chávez?
|
Support |
35% |
|
Oppose |
45% |
|
Neither |
13% |
|
No reply |
7% |
